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APRIL 2014

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What does it mean to you to be a CSB CHAMPION? 1

Katie Edwards

2 Ben Davis

3 Hannah Miller

Katie Edwards: Being a CSB Champion means having the chance to let more people know about the La Romana Mission and the important work that we have done and will continue to do in the Dominican Republic. Just as importantly, it shows that anyone at any age can help improve the lives of other people, but doing so does not always have to be through a large undertaking, like traveling to a different country. There are plenty of opportunities to help those in our community by working at a food pantry, raking leaves for the elderly, or participating in walks to raise funds for a good cause. Ben Davis: I am both proud and honored to be involved with CSB. I am also ecstatic that we received such wonderful financial support for this year’s trip. Becoming a CSB Champion will help spread the word and gain support for the future. Along with my involvement in overseas mission activities, I also participate in local activities such as volunteering at the local food pantry, holding a position on the YAHOO (Young Adults Helping Out Others) youth board and various volunteer activities at the First Church in Sterling. Hannah Miller: As part of the La Romana mission team, we worked together to achieve a goal that benefitted someone other than ourselves. Being honored as CSB Champions highlights that dedication to giving and encourages others to do the same. I hope we can be a positive example of the strength and power young people embody when they commit themselves to helping others. In addition to the Dominican Republic mission, I volunteer at the Wachusett Food Pantry and a soup kitchen affiliated with St. John's Church in Worcester. It's important to help others because every person has a story that is worth hearing, and so much can be learned if we take the time to listen.

Do you know the next

CSB CHAMPION? •

2 APRIL2014 3

Katherine O’Reilly: A CSB Champion is also someone who is not looking for recognition for their amazing actions, but is simply doing what they think is right. I think one of the greatest things you can give is your time to show someone that you care about them. The La Romana mission trip is one of my favorite ways to give back because it’s a unique opportunity for someone my age to make an impact on a global scale. Locally, I also volunteer at UMass Hospital with the child-life program and help teach a Sunday school class. Connecting with people is extremely meaningful, I don’t think of it as volunteering, because I receive so much from it.

Julie Tokarowski: To me, being a CSB Champion means making a difference in the lives of others. Whether it’s right in my hometown, or in La Romana in the Dominican Republic, there is always someone out there who could use a little help. Being a CSB Champion means realizing that the best way to help someone is to offer up your services with some kind words and a heart full of compassion.

Katherine O’Reilly

Julie Tokarowski

CSB’s April Champions on the La Romana mission last month connecting with the community.

If you know an individual or group of students who deserve recognition for their success in school, sports, the arts or the community, honor them as a CSB Champion. Simply email marketing@clintonsavings.com to nominate them. Presented with: 888-744-4272(4CSB) • clintonsavings.com

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BAYSTATEPARENT 5

table of contents APRIL 2014

VO OLL UME 18

1. 2. 3.

NUMB ER 12

things we learned

while making the april issue

Soft pastels and fresh fabrics define Spring fashion for kids in 2014. Take a peek at some fun styles in A Spring Fling on page 25, and learn how you can win a $100 gift certificate to Biscotti and Kate Mack.

When should you get your first mammogram and how often should you schedule the test? Advice varies among medical experts, and this has many of us confused. In The Mammogram Debate on page 40, we explore the latest information and warnings. To help kids meet Common Core State Standards, some state districts are considering tuition free full-day kindergarten. Journalist Erica Brown speaks with Metrowest educators in towns where this issue is before taxpayers. Her article is on page 42.

In A Gardener’s Invitation on page 34, journalist Amanda Roberge shares her secrets for creating a sensory garden — with intriguing ideas that will inspire you and your children to see, hear, smell, taste and feel the beauty of plants and flowers.

The makers of Cheerios announced that GMOs will no longer be included in this popular toddler treat. Will others in the food industry follow suit? And, what exactly are GMOs, anyway? Find out in Beyond GMO-Free Cheerios on page 29.

Our Annual Home & Garden Guide

33 34 36

TRASH TALK FOR EARTH DAY: reduce, reuse, recycle

6 APRIL2014

7 7 8 10 12 12 14

WELCOME: a letter from our editor OUR SPECIAL GUEST: meet cover model daniella stachow MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS FINALLY FOREVER: adoption options CIRCLE OF FRIENDS: area adoption events APRIL’S CHILD: meet aaliyah BOSTON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: STEM education for young children

OUT & ABOUT: april calendar of family events

28 46

TAKE 8: meet children’s singer/ songwriter stracey peasley

OUR APRIL FAVORITES: facts, finds, and freebies

LET’S GO: the fantastic umbrella factory in charlestown, rhode island

advertising directories

SELLING YOUR HOUSE: what to do with the kids A GARDENER’S INVITATION: come to your senses

in every issue

29 31 32

BEYOND GMO-FREE CHEERIOS: is genetically modified food harmful to your child? DISHIN’ WITH THE DIETICIAN: a better way to pack school lunch BITES: vegfest, cooking workshops, ice cream recipe and more

DANCE, GYM & ENRICHMENT HEALTHY KIDS & FAMILIES PARTY PEOPLE PRESCHOOL & CHILD CARE ADVERTISER’S DIRECTORY

voted

e st BPARENTING PUBLICATION

in North America

Local Media Association

welcome to

baystateparent

meet team

baystateparent publisher KIRK DAVIS

creative

There is a bloom to April that coincides with spring, and that fills the month with promise. The weeks ahead bring crocuses and tulips, Easter and school vacation, the Boston Marathon and Earth Day. The temperatures are getting warmer and the colors are getting brighter. It’s a wonderful feeling! At baystateparent this month, we celebrate that energy with spring ideas for your home, garden and fashion. To start you in the warm weather mood, take a peek at our spring fashions for kids. In a photo shoot produced locally with five young models, A Spring Fling captures the carefree spirit of the season. Linens, satins and minty pastels combine with

flirty headbands and bowties. Butterflies and ruffles adorn the dresses. The looks are both pretty and spunky. As an added treat, we are giving away a $100 gift certificate to Biscotti and Kate Mack (biscottiandkatemack.com). Two of our featured dresses are from the Biscotti line and among the many fashions that our winner might select. The stylings and details can be found on page 32. For a more creative way to savor the sunshine, explore the backyard with this fun idea. In her story A Gardener’s Invitation on page 28, Amanda Roberge shares her secrets for creating a sensory garden. Having designed one for her family, she talks about specific types of flowers that encourage children to see, hear, taste, smell and touch. Invite your kids to plot ideas, pick seeds, and prep the soil. Also in this issue, we introduce Ripe — our new section devoted to food. This month, it includes details of the decision

by Cheerios to remove GMOs (Beyond GMO-Free Cheerios, page 29) and how this decision is impacting other cereal makers. It also features information to help you energize your child’s school with tips from Big Y dietician Carrie Taylor (Dishin’ with the Dietician, page 31). Look for this special food section each month in baystateparent. Finally, for even more ideas and some fun giveaways, I invite you to sign up for our email newsletters. Find weekly prizes, information on family events, stories about places to go and things to do. Signing up is free and simple. Visit baystateparent. com and look for the “newsletter signup” tab in the upper right corner of the website. Ideas are always blossoming and growing at baystateparent. Pull up a chair and join us for some inspiration. Happy Spring!

MaryJo Kurtz, Editor

Daniella Stachow

Do you have brothers and sisters? No, I am an only child. Do you go to school? I am not in preschool yet, so right now I stay home and have fun with my Abuelo and Abuela who help watch me. What activities do you enjoy? I love to dance! I take ballet and tap.

advertising director of sales REGINA STILLINGS 508-865-7070 ext. 210 regina@baystateparent.com senior account executive EMILY LAVOIE 774-364-4401 emily@baystateparent.com account executive NELLIE LIMA 774-364-5073 nellie@baystateparent.com account executive AMY LeBLANC 978-660-3227 amy@baystateparent.com account executive MARIE COREY 508-735-0503 marie@baystateparent.com

photographers STEVEN KING JENNIFER ROSE copy editor BRYAN ETHIER

How long have you been modeling? For two years now. I love working with Stephanie. What tips can you offer others who want to model? Say “cheese” and just smile!

Dress courtesy of Epiphany Children’s Boutique, Northborough

senior graphic designer STEPHANIE MALLARD 508-865-7070 design@baystateparent.com

presidents KIRK and LAURIE DAVIS

Do you have any pets? Yes, a King Charles Cavalier named Bruin, but I like to call him Bru-Bru.

Headband is from Maya's Curls http://mayascurls.storenvy.com

creative director PAULA MONETTE ETHIER 508-865-7070 ext. 221 pethier@holdenlandmark.com

account executive DEBORAH MEUNIER 508-450-9718 deb@baystateparent.com

meet our special guest: Our beautiful cover model this month is 4-year-old Daniella Stachow of Bellingham. We caught up with Daniella to find out a little more about our cover girl.

editor in chief MARYJO KURTZ 508-865-7070 ext. 201 maryjo@baystateparent.com

illustrator JEN PAOLINI

baystateparent is published monthly with a main office at 22 West Street, Millbury, MA 01527 cover photo

Stephanie Piscitelli

BY photography

www.baystateparent.com It is distributed free of charge throughout Massachusetts.

bellinipics.com BAYSTATEPARENT 7

Meet Our April Contributors With the new Common Core State Standards, many towns are looking at the cost of tuition free full-day kindergarten as an investment to help children keep pace. Hopkinton mother and journalist Erica Brown examines this issue in The Push for Free Full-Day Kindergarten on page 42. She reports on the views of school administrators in Hopkinton, Holliston, and Wellesley — towns that will vote on this issue in the coming weeks.

The makers of Cheerios announced that GMOs will no longer be included in its popular product, but what does that mean to your children? Award-winning writer Trish Reske explores the issue in Beyond GMO-Free Cheerios on page 29. Westborough mom of four, Trish is also a popular local blogger, business owner and running coach. To learn more about her work, visit trishreske.com or follow her blog on Westborough Patch. Awarding-winning journalist Amanda Roberge has two articles in this month’s issue of baystateparent. In The Mammogram Debate on page 40, Amanda shares the latest medical advice on scheduling mammograms. On a lighter topic, she also has a report on a delightful and eclectic family destination in Rhode Island called The Umbrella Factory — which, she said, has nothing to do with umbrellas. Find out more on page 46.

Malia Jacobson is an award-winning parenting and health journalist, sleep coach, and mom to three young children. In The Adoption Option: Opening Doors, Building a Family on page 10, Malia reviews the many types of adoption available to families today. When she’s not writing, she co-organizes a parenting group, digs in her garden, and explores local hiking trails with her family.

Selling a house while raising young children is a challenge for many this spring. Journalist Gary L. Kelley speaks with several real estate professionals and offers ﬁve ways to simplify the experience. Find his story, Childproof Your House Sale on page 33. Currently in the process of moving from Westborough to Marlborough, Gary is author of Through the Generations, a popular blog on baystateparent.com.

Author Colleen Wright, otherwise known as the “Green Queen” to family and friends, is a work-at-home mother with a 3-year-old daughter, EmmaRose. Her article Trash Talk for Earth Day has fun and interesting ways that you can teach your children to reduce, reuse and recycle. Find out how you can grow a garbage garden and turn your trash to cash in her piece on page 36.

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BAYSTATEPARENT 9

FINALLYFOREVER

The Adoption

Option:

Opening Doors, Building a Family BY MALIA JACOBSON

When it comes to adoption, there is no such thing as “normal.” Just ask Christina and Kevin Kindt. The couple just had their biological child in August, but they are already parents to three other children: 5-year-old Elizabeth and 3-year-old Natalie, both adopted as infants from foster care, and a 1-year-old boy (name withheld), whose adoption from foster care is still in progress. Though not the typical family, the Kindts are far from alone. According to the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, 2 percent of American children are adopted. That means adoption — with numbers that large — touches most families, schools and communities across the country. Modern adoptive parents and adoptees will not encounter many of the old stigmas and biases that used to besiege adoptions. Not long ago, “You’re adopted!” was the ultimate childhood insult, birth mothers were shamed into hiding the pregnancy and lying about the birth, and adoptive parents kept the matter a closely guarded family secret. After being shrouded in silence and secrecy for most of its

history, adoption is coming out of the shadows, becoming more mainstream and more open, according to Adam Pertman, author of Adoption Nation: How the Adoption Revolution is Transforming our Families — and America. But would-be adoptive parents still face challenges, including choosing which type of adoption to pursue, figuring out how to pay mounting fees and navigating the exploding world of online adoption information. One thing is clear: though every adoption journey is unique, adoption as an institution is becoming less the exception, and more the norm, all the time.

Opening Doors: Adoption Comes Out of the Shadows Because states are not required to record the number of private, domestic adoptions, it is hard to pinpoint just how many children are adopted each year. In 1992, the last year this type of data was compiled, the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption

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Institute reported that nearly 127,000 children were adopted in the US, including those adopted domestically, internationally, out of foster care, and by stepparents (which account for 42 percent of all domestic adoptions). All told, there are more than 1.5 million adopted children in the U.S. That means adoption touches most schools, neighborhoods, and extended families across the country. The Donaldson Institute’s 1997 survey (the most recent one available) found nearly 60 percent of Americans have a personal connection to adoption — by knowing someone who has been adopted, adopted a child, or has placed their child with an adoptive family. And because so many adoptions have been veiled in secrecy, the real figure is likely much higher. Those types of secrets are dying out, though. Today, only 5 percent of modern adoptions are “closed adoptions” in which the birth parents and adoptive parents have no contact and birth records are sealed. Ninety-five percent of agencies offer open adoptions, which allow for ongoing contact

between the adoptive family and the birth parents. That is good news for everyone touched by adoption. Research from the Donaldson Institute shows that open adoptions are associated with greater satisfaction with the adoption process for all participants — adoptive parents, adoptees, and birth parents. Birth mothers who have ongoing contact with their children through open adoption experience less grief and greater peace of mind. And adoptees have access to their biological families and medical histories. In international adoptions, ongoing contact between birth parents and adopted children can be harder to arrange, due to logistics, language barriers, and a host of legal and other complications. But those, too, are slowly cracking open. When Lacey Yantis and Scott Blank traveled to Ethiopia earlier this year to adopt their son Ermias, 1, they met his birth mother and learned that the date listed on his birth paperwork is wrong. He was born a month earlier. This type of inaccuracy is not uncommon in international adoptions, says Yantis.

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Families Without Borders: International Adoptions International adoption can be a good option for families seeking an infant, like Yantis and Blank. Nearly half of the children adopted internationally are infants and 90 percent are under five, according to the Donaldson Institute. But those who dream of international adoption face a number of hurdles. Primarily, choosing an adoption site from a dwindling list of countries open to US adoptions. Under tighter regulations, the number of international adoptions appears to be tapering off. After reaching a historic high of 22,884 children in 2004, it fell to just 12,753 in 2009. Russia, one of the top countries of origin for American parents adopting internationally, is now closed to prospective parents in US. Guatemala, Haiti, Rwanda, and Vietnam are also on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;closedâ&#x20AC;? list, while China and Ethiopia have cut international adoptions drastically and stretched waiting times for adoptive parents. The waiting game adds to the mounting costs involved in adopting internationally as attorney and agency fees pile up over the course of months and years. The Donaldson Institute reports that

parents adopting internationally can expect costs up to $25,000 for visas, immigration documents, agency costs, and program fees charged by the home country. Lacey Yantis places her familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adoption fees between $25,000 and $30,000 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a total that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t include travel to Ethiopia or lodging and living expenses during their three-week stay. Adoptive parents traveling for international adoption also face costs related to time off work and childcare for the children staying at home during the trip.

Home Sweet Home: Domestic Adoptions While wait times for some international adoptions can stretch out for years, domestic adoptions can be relatively swift. According to Adoptive Families magazine, 34 percent of US parents adopting a newborn domestically were matched with a child within three months; 19 percent brought their baby home within four to six months. Couples who choose to adopt domestically have several options: private (or â&#x20AC;&#x153;independentâ&#x20AC;?) adoptions through an attorney or an adoption facilitator, adopting through an agency, or adopting through the foster-care system (sometimes called â&#x20AC;&#x153;public

adoptionâ&#x20AC;?). How can prospective parents choose which type of domestic adoption to pursue? One factor is cost. Agency and private adoptions are the more expensive. The Donaldson Institute pegs domestic adoption costs for agency and private adoptions at $4,000 to $30,000. It is a wide range that includes costs for home studies, post-adoption supervision, and court fees. Another factor is the age of the prospective adoptee. The Kindt familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience notwithstanding, newborn adoptions through the foster system are relatively rare â&#x20AC;&#x201D; only two percent of children adopted through the public system are newborns, according to the Donaldson Institute. Thanks in part to federal financial incentives enacted during the Clinton administration, public sector (foster care) adoptions increased 40 percent between 1995-1998. By 2008, 55,000 children were adopted from foster care. Foster care adoptions arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t as prohibitively expensive as other types of adoption â&#x20AC;&#x201D; there are no agency fees, legal fees are often minimal and reimbursed by the state, and parents can claim the adoption tax credit (as can parents adopting internationally or through an agency or attorney).

Building a family The first step for couples considering adoption: talk to others who have adopted, advises Lori Ingber, Ph.D., president and founder of Parent Match. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ask them which agency they used, or which attorney. Ask them about their experience. Talk to as many people as you can.â&#x20AC;? You want to choose an adoption attorney or facilitator with significant experience with adoptions, she noted. Take advantage of the Internetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expansive power for research, referrals, information, and support. Many agencies now have Facebook pages where prospective parents can ask questions, share victories, and support each other through tough days. Most importantly, parents should follow their heart to build a family that is uniquely their own. The Kindts may not be a cookie-cutter clan, but that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bother their happy children in the least. Instead, Elizabeth is puzzling over her soonto-arrive brotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birth. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Adoption is so normal to her, that sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trying to figure out why this baby doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to be adopted,â&#x20AC;? said Christina. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One day, she figured it out, though, and told everyone â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Mommy has a baby in her tummy. And heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s already adopted!â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

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CIRCLEOFFRIENDS Foster Care/Adoption Informational Meetings. Framingham Department of Children and Families, 63 Fountain St., Kenwood Building, 5th ďŹ&#x201A;oor, Framingham. Thursday, April 10, 6 to 7 p.m. Learn how you can change the life of a child in need by becoming a foster parent with the Department of Children and Families. Registration not required. Free. 508-424-0210. Pre-Adoptive Support Group. Jordanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Furniture, 50 Walkers Brook Dr., Reading. Thursday, April 10, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This support group is for approved adoptive families who are either waiting to be identiďŹ ed as a permanent resource for a child in the care of the Department of Children and Families or for families that have been identiďŹ ed as a resource for a child and are in the process of transitioning the child into their home. Free. 978-337-6500. New Worlds of Adoption Conference 2014. Campus Center Auditorium, UMass Amherst Campus. Friday, April 11, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Keynote speaker is Dr. Philip Fisher, Professor of Psychology, University of Oregon. He will present â&#x20AC;&#x153;Innovations and Best Practices: Helping Adoptive Families Overcome Early Adversities.â&#x20AC;? Panel discussions and breakout sessions throughout the conference. Open to the general public. $135. Registration closes April 5. psych.umass. edu/ruddchair/annualconference. Panel on Transracial Adoption. Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children ofďŹ ce, 3815 Washington St., 2nd ďŹ&#x201A;oor, Jamaica Plain. Sunday, April 13, 2 to 4 p.m. A panel discussion on issues related to adopting a child

transracially. Will address positive strategies for helping to improve self-esteem and preserving culture in a transracial adoption. Register at 617-587-1522. Free. We Are Family: A Post-Adoption Support Group. First Connections, Emerson Hospital Campus, Route 2, Concord. Thursday, April 17, 7 to 9 p.m. Meets the third Thursday of each month. A monthly support and education group for parents who are caring for foster children, have adopted a child at age 3 or older, or whose adopted child is now over age 5. 978-287-0221, x218. Foster Care/Adoption Informational Meetings. Arlington Department of Children and Families, 30 Mystic St., Arlington. Thursday, April 17, 6 to 7 p.m. Learn how you can change the life of a child in need by becoming a foster parent with the Department of Children and Families. Registration not required. Free. 617-520-8762. Strengthening Your Family Webinar Series: Building Self-Esteem and Racial Identity in Transracially Adopted Youth. Presented by the Center for Adoption Support and Education. Thursday, April 24, 1 p.m. Eastern. The webinar is designed to help foster and adoptive families. Free for ďŹ rst 150 registrants. $25 for later registrations. Register at adoptionsupport.org. To list your adoption-related event information in baystateparent, email editor@baystateparent. com, or visit baystateparent.com to add your listing to our interactive calendar of events.

APRILâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHILD: Meet Aaliyah Aaliyah is a sweet and loving eight-year-old girl of Caucasian and Hispanic descent. She is tall and skinny and of average intelligence. Aaliyah loves to dance and draw. She is a very good dancer. She also likes to do arts and crafts projects with her foster mother. Aaliyah is very kind and gets along well with her foster family. Academically, Aaliyah is on target. She has improved greatly in math over the past few months. She struggles with peer relations and does not like sharing the attention of adults with other kids. Aaliyah should be placed in a home with no other children or only older children. Legally free for adoption, Aaliyah receives therapy for concerns

around loss and trauma. There is an open adoption agreement in place for two visits a year with her birth father. She also has maintained contact with some extended birth family members. The right family for Aaliyah would help her preserve these connections. For more information about Aaliyah, please contact Department of Children and Families (DCF) Adoption Supervisor Karen Greaney at 508-929-1000. The DCF Worcester Adoption Office holds monthly information meetings for people wanting to learn more about the adoption process in general. For details about the next meeting, please call 508-929-2143.

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BAYSTATEPARENT 13

play

With this special section, baystateparent magazine is commemorating the Boston Children’s Museum on its 100 year anniversary

THE

POWER OF

COMES A LONG WAY!

baystateparent is collaborating with Boston Children’s Museum to create a new, exciting supplement to our publication, “The Power of Play.” Each month, we include special features,

content, fun ideas (and even some special offers) from this venerable institution.

Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) and Young Children

STEM is an acronym. It was used originally by the U.S. government to describe fields of study that helped immigrants get work visas: science, technology, engineering, and math. Today, educators are linking these areas together in what is called STEM curriculum. When we break down the acronym into its parts, we see that early childhood programs practice STEM activities every day. Science activities include exploring water and sand, comparing and contrasting natural materials like rocks and soil, blowing bubbles, and planting a garden. Technology activities include computers, but also identifying simple machines like scissors, gears, wheels, and pulleys and looking through a magnifying glass to count the legs on a bug. Engineering regularly happens in an open space with blocks. Playing with blocks allows children to plan and design structures with minimal adult guidance or direction. Math activities include counting and matching shapes and making patterns. Measuring is easy, too, especially with unit blocks that come in standard sizes, each size twice as large as the next smallest. 14 APRIL2014 15

Parent as First Teacher As their children’s first teacher, parents can expand their children’s science learning. Modeling curiosity about everyday occurrences—“I wonder what will happen when I put the water into

the pancake mix” or “I wonder what the moon will look like tonight”—can be a big help to children’s science learning. As children get older, families can build on their interests by asking open-ended

The following chart illustrates how young children can experience age-appropriate science learning at home. Encouraging the science attitudes of curiosity, divergent thinking, playfulness, observation and exploration will prepare children for later learning.

The following chart illustrates how young children can experience age-appropriate science learning at home. Below are suggestions for families that educators can give workshop participants. Encouraging the science attitudes of curiosity, divergent thinking, playfulness, observation and exploration will prepare children for later learning.

and taking photos of their exploration are good ways to document their growth in science discovery.

questions: “What are you working on now?” “What do you notice about how that bug is moving?” “ Writing down their thoughts and ideas

SCIENCE ATTITUDES

SUGGESTIONS FOR FAMILIES

Asking questions is very important in science. Questions help lead scientists to answers in the world.

Ask your child lots of questions as you go about your day. Ask, “What do you think?” This question indicates there is no right or wrong answer and that you are interested in your child’s opinion.

Scientists don’t always find the answers to all of their questions, but they ask lots of questions anyway.

Keep the conversations going, no matter what the answer. After some exploration, you might say, “Oh, interesting. What do you think now?”

Scientists keep data logs to observe changes over time.

Together you can create a notebook, photos, or drawings to illustrate what your child has discovered.

Scientists use special tools to improve observations.

Provide ruler, scissors, a thermometer, a stopwatch, and a magnifying glass to extend your child’s senses. These tools help children do what they cannot do by themselves.

Scientists develop explanations using observations (evidence) and what they already know about the world. Good, reasonable explanations are based on evidence from investigations.

When children offer an explanation, they should be encouraged to use their observations and their documentation to support their explanation. This way, children can reflect on their experiences and deepen their understanding. If an explanation is scientifically incorrect but reasonable from your child’s experience, there is no need to correct him/her right away. Change in thinking takes place over time, after many experiences.

Scientific investigations involve asking and answering a question and comparing the answer with what scientists already know about the world.

Help your child compare his/her own answers to evidence that already exists. Either you can show that your child is on the right track, or you can do some research together on the Internet or in the kitchen!

Scientists make the results of their investigations public; they make their discoveries known to everyone.

Post your child’s observations, discoveries, and evidence on the refrigerator or in drawings or photos around the house.

Next Generation Children’s Centers Celebrating 20 Years As A Leader In Early Childhood Education

Our school of thought? We nurture the whole child. NGCC provides your child with the foundation for a well-rounded experience to help them succeed in every stage of development.

Learn what we offer your child here:

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Photo courtesy of The Hanover Theatre

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The Wellesley Players present the children’s classic Pinocchio at Wellesley Middle School on April 5 and 6. Children can meet the characters after the show.

On Friday evening, April 25, catch TCAN’s successful Rock Off Main all-ages show, featuring bands from around the region.

Photo courtesy of Gore Place

Photo by Joe Mouzon

Photo courtesy of TCAN Center for the Arts

On April 18, The Hanover Theatre welcomes the Moscow Festival Ballet and its production of Sleeping Beauty.

Gore Place in Waltham hosts its 27th Annual Sheepshearing Festival on Saturday, April 26. Watch sheep shearing, herding dogs, spinning, weaving and more. BAYSTATEPARENT 17

OUT&ABOUT MELTDOWN WARNING: Before you pack up the mini-van, please confirm your destination. Although we’ve done our best to assure accuracy at press time, things can and do change…

noon. Program introduces young children to the natural world through movement, games, stories and art. Suitable for children ages 3 to 6. Preregistration encouraged. Walk-ins welcome. 617-983-8500. Adults, free; Children $7.

Photo courtesy of the Discovery Museums

4 Friday

The Discovery Museums in Acton offer free admission on the first Friday of each month from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

1 Tuesday ASD Friendly Afternoons. Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. During ASD (autism spectrum disorder) Friendly Hours, the museums will not host school groups or birthday parties, will avoid overcrowding, and will support accessibility of exhibits. Free admission for registered families. To register, call 978-264-4200 or visit http://bit.ly/ASDApr14. discoverymuseums.org. Tricks Animals Play. Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, 10 Juniper Rd., Belmont. 10 to 11:30 a.m. On April Fool’s Day, ﬁnd out how animals fool their predators. Suitable for families with children ages 3 to 5. Registration required. $8 per person. 617-489-5050. Body Worlds Vital. Quincy Market, Second Floor, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston. Runs through April 3. Sundays 12 to 6 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The exhibit celebrates the potential of the human body. Featuring authentic human bodies, the exhibition shows the body through cautionary displays about distress and disease, and inspirational insights about virtuosity and resilience. bodyworldsboston.com. Egg-citement. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln. 3:30 18 APRIL2014 19

to 5 p.m. Take care of chickens, collect eggs, make treats. Dress for weather. Suitable for children ages 6 to 9. Registration required. Children $16. 781-259-2200. massaudubon.org.

2 Wednesday Light It Up Blue – World Autism Awareness Day. Children’s Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton. 10 a.m. Stories and activities will focus on increasing autism awareness and celebrating the abilities of individuals with autism. Admission is $11.50. discoverymuseums.org. Puppet Playtime for Toddlers and Tiny Tots. Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station St., Brookline. 10:30 a.m. Interactive performance designed for very young children. Suitable for children up to 3 years. Adults $15; children $10. puppetshowplace.org. Spring Woodcock Watches. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Rd., Princeton. 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. From late March to late April, woodcocks put on incredible courtship ﬂight displays, spiraling 200 feet into the air before descending rapidly. Suitable for all ages. Registration required. 978-463-2712. Free.

3 Thursday Early Explorers. Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill St., Mattapan. 10:30 a.m. to

Free Admission for First Friday Nights. Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Food donations accepted for Open Table of Concord and Maynard and the Acton Food Pantry. discoverymuseums.org. Craftboston. The Boston Center for Crafts, 539 Tremont St., Boston. Friday, April 4, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 5, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, April 6, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Over 90 artists will be featured in this display and art sale. All ages. Admission $15; children 12 and under, free. 617-266-1810. Turtle’s New Home. Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station St., Brookline. Friday, April 4, 10:30 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and 6, 1 and 3 p.m. New England animals are the stars of this charming story about friends in a wetland habitat. Presented by Debbie Costine, an artist, naturalist and National award-winning puppeteer. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Tickets $12. puppetshowplace.org. Owl Prowl. Weir River Estuary, Hull. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Experience an owl’s adaptations ﬁrst hand, ﬁnd out about the owls that make these places their home, go on hike to seek one out. All ages. Registration required. 781-837-9400. Free. Baa-Baa Baby. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln. 3:30 to 5 p.m. Help the farmer take care of sheep and visit with newest Baa-Baa Babies. Suitable for all ages. Up to three children per adult. Register at 781-259-2200. $15 per person. Half-price for children 12 to 17 months. massaudubon.org. Farm Connections: Cows and Dairy. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln. 3:30 to 5 p.m. Explore links between raising healthy livestock, building rich compost, growing nutritious vegetables, and eating well. Suitable for children ages 10 to 14. Registration required. 781-259-2200. Children, $18.

5 Saturday Moonlight Walk. Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, 10 Juniper Rd., Belmont. 7:30 to 9 p.m. Visit the pond, walk the wooded trails, spend time in the meadow looking up at the night sky. All ages.

Registration required. 617-489-5050. $8 per person. massaudubon.org. The Wizard of Oz. Temple B’Nai Abraham Theater, 200 E. Lothrop St., Beverly. April 5 through 13. Various showtimes. Presented by Neverland Theatre. The theater company presents both a full version of the production featuring adult leads and a youth version featuring a youth cast. Tickets $10 to $18. 978-500-8832. neverlandtheatre.com. Dig In! Family Drop-In Program. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. 2 to 3:30 p.m. Hands-on learning and gardening activities for all ages. Free with museum admission. Adults $12; children 6 to 18, $7; free for children under 6. 508-869-6111. towerhillbg.org. Mary Poppins. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and 6, 10:30 a.m. A magic nanny comes to work for a cold banker’s unhappy family. Adults $7, children $5. 617-734-2501. coolidge.org. The Zinghoppers: Superhero Learning Adventure. TCAN Center for Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick. 11 a.m. Performing original songs written by co-founders DJ Kitty and J-Star, the band is inﬂuenced by hip-hop, electronic dance music, reggae and pop. Adults $11, children $9. natickarts.org. It’s Big Night. Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 87 Perkins Row, Topsﬁeld. 6 to 8 p.m. Take one-hour guided walk along the Vernal Pool Trail, meet some interesting characters who will share some facts and stories. Suitable for families with children ages 4 to 18. Registration required. 978-887-9264. $9 per person. Pinocchio. Wellesley Middle School, 50 Kingsbury St., Wellesley. Saturday, April 5, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Sunday, April 6, 3 p.m. Presented by the Wellesley Players. Children can meet the characters after the show. Tickets $10. wellesleyplayers.org.

6 Sunday Spring Prep. Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, 10 Juniper Rd., Belmont. 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Restore trails, prune and plant, help set up goat areas. All ages. Children under 9th grade must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required. 617-489-5050. Free. massaudubon.org. Kids’ Workshop and Concert. Cary Hall, 1605 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington. 2 p.m. Lexington Symphony presents this popular annual event that includes interactive family-

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Wildlife Care: Behind the Scenes. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln. 2 to 3:15 p.m. Participants will have the chance to get a behind-the-scenes tour of the care facility and see the animal in the wildlife care department. Suitable for families with children ages 10 to 14. Registration required. 781-259-2200. $18 per person. Wild About Reptiles. Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St., Natick. 1 to 2:30 p.m. Meet some of the species of reptiles found around Broadmoor. Suitable for families with children ages 4 to 16. Registration required. 508-655-2296. Adults $13, children $8. Alice in Wonderland. First Baptist Church of Newton, 848 Beacon St. Newton Centre. 3 p.m. Presented by the New Philharmonia Orchestra and featuring narration by Laura Young, former Principal Dancer with the Boston Ballet, and students from Newton’s Boston Ballet School. Adults $15, students $10. newphil.org. Osprey Nest Checks. Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, 1280 Horseneck Rd., Westport. 9 a.m. to noon. Help check osprey nests for occupancy and incubating birds in both branches of the Westport River. Suitable for families with children ages 8 to 16. Registration required. 508-636-2437. Free. massaudubon.org.

8 Tuesday This Little Piggy. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln. 3:30 to 5 p.m. Program about farmyard pigs. All ages. Up to three children per adult. Register at 781-259-2200. $15 per person. Half price for children ages 12 to 17 months. massaudubon.org. Little Naturalists Program: Spiders. North River Wildlife Sanctuary, Marshﬁeld. 9:30 to

10:30 a.m. Through nature walks, stories, songs, and crafts, discover New England spiders. Suitable for children ages 3 to 5. Registration required. 781-837-9400. Children $7.

9 Wednesday Garden Discovery Program for Preschoolers. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. 10 to 11 a.m. “A is for April, Amazing and Awake” features discoveries that come with an early spring garden. Program designed for ages 3 to 5. Free with museum admission. Adults $12; children 6 to 18, $7; free for children under 6. 508-869-6111. towerhillbg.org.

Photo courtesy of TCAN Center for the Arts

friendly activities designed to bring classical music to life and give kids the opportunity to engage one-on-one with members of the orchestra. Tickets $20; children 12 and under, $12. lexingtonsymphony.org.

Puppet Playtime for Toddlers and Tiny Tots. Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station St., Brookline. 10:30 a.m. Interactive performance designed for very young children. Suitable for children up to 3 years. Adults, $15; children, $10. puppetshowplace.org.

10 Thursday Raccoon Tales. Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station St., Brookline. Thursday and Friday, April 10 and 11, 10:30 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13, 1 and 3 p.m. “Raccoon Tales” features three humorous vignettes inspired by the Native American just-so-stories of the Seneca tribe: How the Fox and the Raccoon Trick Each Other; Why the Blue Jay is Blue and the Gray Wolf Isn’t; and Why the Bear has a Stumpy Tail. Performed by Brad Shur, Artist in Residence. Recommended for ages 3 and up. $12. puppetshowplace.org. Splish Splash. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln. 1 to 2:30 p.m. Suitable for families with children up to 7 years old. $15 per person. Explore life in a pond. All ages welcome, but oldest child must be at least 3-years-old. Up to three children per adult. Registration required. 781-259-2200. Early Explorers. Boston Nature Center, 500 Walk Hill St., Mattapan. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Program introduces young children to

The Zinghoppers perform original family tunes at a concert for all ages. Catch the fun at the TCAN Center for Arts in Natick on Saturday, April 5.

the natural world through movement, games, stories and art. Suitable for families with children ages 3 to 6. Registration encouraged. Walk-ins welcome. 617-983-8500. Adults free, children $7. massaudubon.org. Shir Madness Klezmer Band Concert. Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main St., Watertown. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Family concert in klezmer tradition. All ages. Free. 617-972-6431.

11 Friday Mrs. Mouse’s Children. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln. 3:30 to 5 p.m. Program about mice. All ages welcome. Up to three children per adult. Register at 781-259-2200. $15 per person. Half-price for children ages 12 to 17 months.

Preschool Story Hour-Wind as a Pollinator. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary. 113 Goodnow Rd., Princeton.10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Hour-long program includes book, craft and walk. Suitable for families with children ages 2.5 to 5 years. Registration required. 978-464-2712. Adults free, children $3. massaudubon.org.

12 Saturday Free Evening for Families with Deaf or Hard of Hearing Children. Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. 5 to 8:30 p.m. ASL Interpreters will be available. Pre-registration required. Visit http://bit.ly/DHHApr14 to register. 978-264-4200. discoverymuseums.org. 51st Annual Athol-Orange River Rat Spectacular. Alan Rich Environmental Park,

One coupon per family. Can’t be combined. Code: Q1BP$3 Expires 4/18/14. Valid only at Snip-its Millbury.

BAYSTATEPARENT 19

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HiSToRy

Lesson Your Kids Will Never Forget

Registration is now open for Discovery Adventures April 21-22, April 23-25, June 23–August 15

Costumed programs for children ages 6–17 to experience history at New England’s largest living history museum.

10 Main St., Athol. 1 p.m. Rat Parade at 9:30 a.m. directly following the start of the Big Cheese 5K Race. Canoes begin the 6-mile route from Athol to Orange at 1 p.m. riverrace.com.

cooking or food chemistry or using edible ingredients. Suitable for children ages 7 to 12. Register at 508-528-3140. Children $12. massaudubon.org.

Make & Grow Greenhouses. Oak Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary, 1417 Park St., Attleboro. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Make greenhouse using recycled materials, soil and seeds. Suitable for children ages 5 to 12. Register at 508-223-3060. Children $8.

Helping Wildlife-Big Night and Vernal Pool Ecology. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Rd., Princeton. 1 to 3 p.m. Explore local species and sanctuary vernal pools. All ages. Register at 978-464-2712. Adults $8, children $4. massaudubon.org.

Dig In! Family Drop-In Program. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. 2 to 3:30 p.m. Hands-on learning and gardening activities for all ages. Free with museum admission. Adults $12; children 6 to 18, $7; free for children under 6. 508-869-6111. towerhillbg.org.

Amazing Amphibians. Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield. 1:30 to 3 p.m. Search the sanctuary’s wetlands and woodlands for amphibians on the move. Suitable for families with children ages 6 to 18. Register at 978-887-9264. Adults $9, children $7.

Josh and the Jamtones. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard Street, Brookline. 10:30 a.m. New Boston-based rock and roll family band. Adults $10, children $8. 617-734-2501. coolidge.org.

13 Sunday

Teen Birders: Mission Possible. Drumlin Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Watch the bird reports and go where there are birds. Suitable for ages 13 to 17. Register at 781-259-2200. $42. massaudubon.org/drumlinprograms Afternoon Chores. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln. 3:30 to 5 p.m. Help with farm chores including feeding the animals and collecting eggs. Suitable for families with children ages 4 to 12. Up to three children per adults. Register at 781-259-2200. $15 per person. Wetland Protectors: Water Quality and Wetland Health. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn about freshwater ecology. Suitable for ages 10 to 14. Register at 781-259-2200. $36. massaudubon.org. Cinderella: The Tanglewood Marionettes. TCAN Center for Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick. 11 a.m. Set in the eighteenth century and featuring a dozen costumed 30” marionettes, this production is a Tanglewood Marionettes showpiece. Adults $11, children $9. natickarts.org.

Scan this code with your mobile device to watch a Discovery Adventures video.

508-347-0285 Visit www.osv.org/adventures Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA 20 APRIL2014 21

Puppeteering Workshop: Tanglewood Marionettes. TCAN Center for Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick. 1 p.m. Master puppeteers will discuss some of the construction and stringing techniques used when building marionettes and then demonstrate the basics of marionette technique. Adults $20, children $16. natickarts.org. Edible Science. Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 108 North St., Norfolk. 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Explore science projects that either involve

Blue Discoveries Family Day. New England Aquarium, 1 Central Wharf, Boston. Drop-in program runs between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Indoor activities include art, science and storytelling. Free with museum admission. Adults $24.95, children 3-11 $17.95, seniors $22.95, children under 3 free. neaq.org. Tom Chapin Band Family Concert. Performing Arts Center, 51 Walden St., Concord. 1 to 2 p.m. The Concord Conservatory of Music presents this Grammy Award-winning folk musician. Audience members will get a chance to meet Tom after the show. Tickets $20; children 18 and under, $12; children under 1, free. 978-369-0010. Chickadee Birders: Ospreys. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln. 1 to 4 p.m. Learn about ospreys and help to build a life-size osprey nest that will be taken to the Westport River. Suitable for families with children ages 7 to 11. Register at massaudubon.org/drumlinprograms or call 781-259-2206. $30 per person. Take a Walk on the Wild Side: Night Hike. Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport. 5:30 to 8 p.m. Spend time outdoors finding and observing local wildlife. Suitable for families with children ages 7 to 13. Register at 978-462-9998. Adults $11, children $8. massaudubon.org. Osprey Nest Checks - A Field Experience. Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, 1280 Horseneck Rd., Westport. 9 a.m. to noon. Check osprey nests for occupancy and incubating birds in both branches of the Westport River. Suitable for families with children ages 8 to 16. Register at 508-636-2437. Free. massaudubon.org.

14 Monday Clay Play: Bird Nests. Museum of American Bird Art, 963 Washington St., Canton. 10 to

OUT&ABOUT 11:30 a.m. Nature exploration and a clay project. Suitable for families with children ages 2.5 to 5. Register at 781-821-8853. Adults free, children $17. massaudubon.org.

to experience and understand the work of a livestock farmer and a wildlife care specialist. Suitable for children ages 10 to 14. Register at 781-259-2200. Children $55. massaudubon.org.

15 Tuesday

No School Fun Day. Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St., Natick. Two sessions offered: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Learn about and explore the changing world of spring wildlife, play games and more. Suitable for children ages 5 to 11. Register at 508-655-2296. Children $50 per session. massaudubon.org.

Going to the Flower Garden. Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, 10 Juniper Rd., Belmont. 10 to 11 a.m. Walk the Habitat’s flower gardens and do flower activity. Suitable for families with children up to 5 years. Register at 617-489-5050. $6 per person. massaudubon.org.

16 Wednesday Puppet Playtime for Toddlers and Tiny Tots. Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station St., Brookline. 10:30 a.m. Interactive performance designed for very young children. Suitable for children up to 3 years. Adults, $15; children, $10. puppetshowplace.org.

17 Thursday

Preschool Story Hour-Rain Showers. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Rd., Princeton. 1030 to 11:30 a.m. Hour-long program features book, craft and walk. Suitable for families with children ages 2.5 to 5. Register at 978-464-2712. Adults free, children $3. massaudubon.org. Sleeping Beauty. The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester. 8 p.m. Performed by the Moscow Festival Ballet. Tickets start at $39. 877-571-7469. thehanovertheatre.org.

Upcoming

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at Old Sturbridge Village April 19-27 School Vacation Week: The plants are blooming and baby animals are on the way (be sure to check out the newborn lambs).

The Carrot Salesman. Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station St., Brookline. Thursday and Friday, April 17 and 18, 10:30 a.m.; Saturday, April 19, 1 and 3 p.m. This imaginative tabletop performance features a live actor, colorful 2D paper puppets, and plenty of audience interaction. Presented by Brad Shur, artist in residence. Suitable for ages 3 and up. Tickets 12. puppetshowplace.org.

19 Saturday

Where’s the Milk? Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sancutary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln. 1 to 2:30 p.m. Spend time milking and caring for goats and cows and learn why they are such an important part of the farm. Suitable for families with children ages 3 to 10. Up to three children per adult. Register at 781-259-2200. $15 per person.

Eric Herman. Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard Street, Brookline. 10:30 a.m. Comedy, creativity and kid-friendly fun. Adults $10, children $8. 617-734-2501. coolidge.org.

April 21 Patriots’ Day: Celebrate the legacy of the New England patriots and their role in our nation’s birth with fife music and beating of the drum, accompanied by cracks of musket fire.

Patriot’s Day Weekend. Minute Man National Historic Park, Lexington and Concord. April 19 through 21. Various events will take place throughout the weekend commemorating the opening battle of the American Revolutionary War. For a complete and updated schedule of events, visit nps.gov/mima/patriots-day.htm.

May 11 Mother’s Day: All mothers receive free admission to Old Sturbridge Village and receive a gift (while supplies last) in celebration of Mother’s Day.

Froggy Night Walk. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Stroll the grounds listening and looking for nighttime animal voices. Suitable for families with children ages 5 to 12. Up to three children per adult. Register at 781-259-2200. $15 per person. Dance of the Woodcock. River Bed Farm, Uxbridge. 7:30 to 9 p.m. Visit breeding grounds at farm to view the performance of this spring woodcock mating ritual. Suitable for children ages 8 and up. Register at 508-753-6087. Adults $7, children $5. massaudubon.org.

18 Friday Caretaker for A Day. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln. 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Hands-on day of feeding, cleaning and observation offers opportunity

Blue Hills Family Overnight. Chickatawbut Hill Education Center, Blue Hills Trailside Museum, 1904 Canton Ave., Milton. Saturday, April 19, 5 p.m. through Sunday, April 20 at 11 a.m. Dinner, night hiking, live animal encounters, a camp fire, a pancake breakfast and more. Suitable for families with children ages 7 to 12. Register at 617-333-0690. $62 per person. Lucky Diaz and The Family Jam Band. TCAN Center for Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick. 11 a.m. Led by husband and wife duo, award winning singer/songwriter Lucky Diaz and Broadway performer/songwriter Alisha Gaddis, the group performs kids’ music. Adults $10, children $8. natickarts.org.

Special April School Vacation Family Fun Packages are available during school vacation week featuring a onenight stay at the Reeder Family Lodges, admission, hands-on crafts for the kids, and cookies and cocoa in Village-made mugs. Pricing starts at $139 for 2 adults and 2 children. April 20 Easter Brunch: Enjoy a sumptuous Easter meal together at the Oliver Wight Tavern at Old Sturbridge Village.

May 24-26 Wool Days: The sheep get their yearly oldfashioned shearing plus costumed historians will demonstrate the entire wool textile process. Sunday Brunch: Every Sunday at the Oliver Wight Tavern from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(800) SEE-1830 Visit www.osv.org Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA BAYSTATEPARENT 20 21

OUT&ABOUT

Photo courtesy of the TCAN Center for the Arts

to get an up-close look at their amazing features. Suitable for families with children ages 5 to 18. Register at 617-333-0690. $7 per person. massaudubon.org.

Lucky Diaz and The Family Jam Band performs a family concert at the TCAN Center for Arts in Natick on Saturday, April 19.

Bunny Bonanzoo. Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St., Stoneham. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children’s activities include holiday games, crafts, and the Easter Bunny. Admission is $8.95; children 2 through 12, $6.95; free for children under 2. zoonewengland.org.

Thursday, April 22 through 24, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Presented by Barefoot Puppets. Audiences of all ages will be touched by this story that teaches what it truly means to be one of a kind. Suitable for ages 3 and up. Tickets $12. puppetshowplace.org.

21 Monday

Exploring Pond Life. Blue Hills Trailside Museum, 1904 Canton Ave., Milton. 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Use dip net to discover pond life, observe ducks and turtles. Suitable for families with children ages 6 to 17. Register at 617-333-0690. $9 per person. massaudubon.org.

The 118th Boston Marathon. The world’s oldest annual marathon stretches 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston, attracting over 20,000 amateur and professional runners from throughout the world. For times, route, events and more, visit baa.org.

22 Tuesday Galapagos George. Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station St., Brookline. Tuesday through

23 Wednesday Birds of Prey Show. Blue Hills Trailside Museum, 1904 Canton Ave., Milton. 3 to 4 p.m. During this presentation, several of the birds are carried through the audience, allowing everyone

Peregrine Falcons - Flying High in Worcester. Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Rd., Worcester. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Learn about resident falcons through pictures, observations and presentation. Suitable for families with children ages 5 and up. Register at 508-753-6087. Adults $5, children free. massaudubon.org.

24 Thursday The 2nd Annual Goat Gala. Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, 10 Juniper Rd., Belmont. 4 to 6 p.m. Learn about goats, sample goat cheese, helps with farm chores, play goat games, and more. All ages. No registration required. Free. massaudubon.org. Behind the Scenes at Trailside. Blue Hills Trailside Museum, 1904 Canton Ave., Milton. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Get a behind-the-scenes tour of the animal care areas of the museum that are normally closed to the public. Suitable for families with children ages 8 through 17. Register at 617-333-0690. $12 per person. massaudubon.org. Disney on Ice Presents Princesses and Heroes. DCU Center, Worcester. Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m.; Friday, April 25 at 1 and 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 26 at 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. High ﬂying jumps, daring acrobatics, and popular Disney characters are part of this ice show. Tickets start at $16. dcucenter.com.

25 Friday Vernal Pool Night Hike. Oak Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary, 1417 Park St., Attleboro. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Explore local vernal pools and attend presentation on frogs and salamanders. All ages. Register at 508-223-3060. Adults $8, children $4. Trickster Tales. Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station St., Brookline. Friday, April 25, 10:30

a.m. and 1 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, April 26 and 27, 1 and 3 p.m. This show brings traditional stories from West Africa to life with expressive rod puppets, original music, and lots of puns. Presented by Barefoot Puppets. Suitable for ages 3 and up. Tickets $12. puppetshowplace.org. Rock Off Main Street. TCAN Center for Arts, 14 Summer St., Natick. 7:30 p.m. TCAN’s successful Rock Off Main rock music program is an all-ages show that provides a venue for bands in this region to perform on stage. Admission $8. natickarts.org. Earth Day Celebration. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. Half price admission, indoor and outdoor family-friendly activities, regular exhibits. Adults $7; children 2 to 18, $4. 508-929-2700. ecotarium.org.

26 Saturday Statewide Volunteer Day. Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, 10 Juniper Rd., Belmont. 9 a.m. to noon. Work in meadows doing conservation projects. All ages. To see projects and to register, visit massaudubon.org/ workforwildlife. 617-489-5050. Free. Boston Symphony Orchestra Presents a Family Concert. Boston Symphony Hall, Boston. Noon. “Bon Voyage” is a program of music and magic from around the world, featuring talented young musicians from the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra and Matt the Magician. Preconcert activities include instrument playground and instrument demonstrations from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Especially for children ages 3 to 8 and their families. Adults, $20; children 18 and under, free. 617-266-1200. bso.org. Dig In! Family Drop-In Program. Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston. 2 to 3:30 p.m. Hands-on learning and gardening activities for all ages. Free with museum admission. Adults $12; children 6 to 18, $7; free for children under 6. 508-869-6111. towerhillbg.org.

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OUT&ABOUT Battle Road Heroes. Hartwell Tavern Parking Area, Route 2, Lincoln. 7 to 8:30 p.m., tours leave every 15 minutes. Hear personal stories of residents who lived along the Battle Road on April 19, 1775. Guild of Historic Interpreters present an evening of theater and history suitable for ages 8 and up. Admission is $5 per person, $10 per family. nps.gov/mima.patriots-day.htm Wetland Protectors: Vernal Pool Study. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great St., Lincoln. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn about freshwater ecology. Suitable for families with children ages 10 to 14. Register at 781-259-2200. Children $36. Earth Day/Arbor Day Celebration. Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 108 North St., Norfolk. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Demonstrations, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nature games and crafts. All ages. No registration required. Free. Family Day. Bird Banding Station, Plum Island. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Visit Joppa Flats Bird Banding Station on the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and see Mass Audubon scientists capture, measure, weigh, examine and release migrant songbirds. Suitable for families with children ages 6 and up. Register at 978-462-9998. Adults $10, children $6. massaudubon.org. Statewide Volunteer Day. Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 293 Moose Hill St., Sharon. 9 a.m. to noon. Various projects available. Suitable for ages 4 and up. Register at 781-784-5691 or cturnbull@massaudubon.org. Free. 27th Annual Sheepshearing Festival. Gore Place, 52 Gore St., Waltham. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This outdoor farm festival includes demonstrations of sheep shearing, herding dogs, spinning, weaving and gardening, large crafts fair, live entertainment, games, farm animals, wagon rides and more. Admission is $15; children 12 and under, free. goreplace.org.

27 Sunday Party for the Planet: Earth Day 2014. Franklin Park Zoo, One Franklin Park Rd.,

Dorchester. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Festivities include: meet the zookeepers, animal enrichment activities, scavenger hunts, entertainment, ecofriendly exhibitors, and more. Admission tickets $17.95; children 2 to 12, $11.95; children under 2, free. zoonewengland.org.

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Frogs, Pollywogs & Fairies...Exploring the Vernal Pool. Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St., Natick. 1 to 2:30 p.m. From frogs and tadpoles to fairy shrimp, explore what hides under the water and lives around the vernal pool. Suitable for families with children ages 5 to 16. Register at 508-655-2296. Adults $13, children $8. massaudubon.org.

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29 Tuesday Slime Time. Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary, 10 Juniper Rd., Belmont. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Meet animals that make slime, create clime, search slimy trails, play a slime game. Suitable for families with children ages 3 to 5. Register at 617-489-5050. $8 per person. massaudubon.org. Just Kidding. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln. 3:30 to 5 p.m. Learn about farm goats. Suitable for families with children ages 3 to 7. Register at 781-2592200. $15 per person. massaudubon.org.

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30 Wednesday Puppet Playtime for Toddlers and Tiny Tots. Puppet Showplace Theatre, 32 Station St., Brookline. 10:30 a.m. Interactive performance designed for very young children. Suitable for children up to 3 years. Adults, $15; children, $10. puppetshowplace.org. Some Bunny Loves You. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln. 1 to 2:30 p.m. Program on rabbits. All ages. Register at 781-259-2200. $15 per person. Halfprice for children ages 12 to 17 months. For a more expansive list of family activities taking place in Massachusetts, and to post your groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family events, visit baystateparent.com.

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take eight

with Stacey Peasley

Natick mom and acclaimed children’s performer Stacey Peasley recently released her second family music album, Lucky Day. baystateparent met with this delightful mom of three to ﬁnd out where she gets her inspiration and how she balances her busy schedule.

What can families expect with your new CD, Lucky Day? As with my first album, Together, families can expect the same songwriting that comes from the heart and experience as a parent. Musically, it’s more of a pop-rock and current sounding album than my first one. It was produced by Grammy Award Winner Marty Beller, and I think it has a bit of an 1980s influence. Listening to Blondie, Pat Benatar and the Pretenders has influenced my songwriting lately. Topics include playing restaurant, a special family fish, a day at the beach, and having a lucky day because of the unexpected wonderful things accumulated along the way.

What inspires your music? Everyday life as a parent inspires me the most. All of my songs are based on a true life moment or experience — with my own children, what I observe from my friends, or at preschools and music classes. I have four songs on the album inspired by several friends and their families. I’m kind of like the Taylor Swift of kids songwriting, but instead of writing about ex-boyfriends, I write about children. My friends never know if they are going to end up in a song.

Tell us about the collaboration with the Natick Girl Scouts for the song Catching Joy? Catching Joy is a special song inspired by a local volunteer group of the same name. The song is about having kids today make a difference in the world by being kind, helpful, and taking the initiative to make change in the world. I knew I wanted children’s voices on this song, and my daughter’s Girl Scout troop seemed like the perfect group to be a part of it. We also had several other special friends join us to sing as well.

Where can families find your new CD? My new CD can be purchased at my shows, staceypeasley.com, local retailers like Little Bits Toys in Natick and Wellesley, iTunes, Amazon.com, and CDBaby.com. I am also working on some new retail stores soon and hope they will carry it also. I’d love it to be in toy stores all across Massachusetts!

Photo by Steven King

How did you get your start in the music business? At age 18, I auditioned for a 1950s and 60s girl group called The Chiclettes and got the job! That was my first professional gig. I sang with two other girls and a full band, and performed all over Long Island, New York and New Jersey. I was in that band for 10 years and also sang in other bands, covering all different styles of music.

Describe a Stacey Peasley live show. Our show is definitely an upbeat, energetic rock concert! I play with fantastic musicians, and we love to see our audience on their feet dancing with us! It’s always fun to see families enjoying live music together - that’s how I got started doing children’s music. After taking my now 9-year-old daughter to local music events, I loved that we were having a great time and enjoyed seeing how much fun all the other families were having. I always joke at my shows that the crowd comes to see us, but it’s really us who loves to see them and watch them sing and dance. Children react to music in so many different ways — some sit and snuggle with their parent and watch and some are dancing away from the first note. Their reaction is completely natural and genuine and there’s nothing better than that!

Where are you performing (in Massachusetts) this spring? I will be performing a family concert on the Natick Common on Saturday morning, April 12, to support Family Promise Metrowest, an organization I work with to help end homelessness in the Metrowest area. We are always adding new shows, so check the updated calendar on my website or Facebook Page “The Stacey Peasley Band.”

How do you balance your career demands with your family responsibilities? I certainly couldn’t do it without the support of family, friends, and childcare help. I do have the luxury of being in charge of my schedule. Many of my shows are booked way in advance, so it helps when trying to arrange childcare or playdates for my kids. Some of my school visits and music classes are recurring and consistent, which helps also. My two oldest children are in elementary school, but I have a toddler who is home with me full-time, so making arrangements for her while I am working is critical. There is a lot of work in this field besides the actual performance — writing and recording the music, rehearsing, planning for classes and schools, booking shows, marketing those shows, the list goes on. I really love all the different aspects of it and find it exciting. BAYSTATEPARENT 25

A Spr Sp Sweet styles

ENTER TO WIN The enchantment of childhood is captured in this pretty pastel dress from Biscotti â&#x20AC;&#x201D; one of your possible selections as the winner of a $100 gift certificate at Biscotti and Kate Mack. To enter, send your name and address to editor@baystateparent.com. Add BISCOTTI AND KATE MACK GIVEAWAY in the subject line. Entries will be accepted through April 30, 2014. One winner will be chosen at random on May 1, 2014. Stylist Judy Beall will work with the winner as a personal shopper at biscottiandkatemack.com. Certificate must be redeemed by Oct. 31, 2014.

26 APRIL2014

Spring F ling s

usher in the

Elena charms with the soft collection of seasonal colors in the Easter Basket Dress by Biscotti.

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28 APRIL2014

Beyond GMO-Free

Cheerios:

Is genetically modified food harmful to your child? BY TRISH RESKE

ost parents equate the tiny round oat Cheerios with their tiny toddler’s sticky fingers: the little “o’s” found in the big yellow box have been a trusted food for tots for over seven decades. So when General Mills announced in January of this year that they were committed to producing non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) Original Cheerios, it was hailed as a major victory by groups vocally opposed to genetically modified foods. In reality, according to General Mills, the predominant ingredient – oats– is already non-GMO, so the modification is minor, and relates to cornstarch and sugar (just 1 gram per serving) added in the cereal. If par-

ents purchase other sweeter varieties of the well-known cereal, such as Honey Nut Cheerios, the non-GMO promise does not hold. Other food manufacturers are jumping on the non-GMO bandwagon as Kashi products, part of the Kellogg’s company, has promised that over 50 percent of its products will be GMOfree by 2015. Whole Foods Market, a food chain that is known for its organic of-

ferings, has publically stated that it will require any foods with GMOs to have labeling to that effect by 2018. The Cheerios your toddler is gumming is only the tasty tip of the GMO foods that are in most family kitchens. How much of the food on our supermarket shelves already have genetically modified ingredients in them, and do GMO

BAYSTATEPARENT 29

foods pose a health hazard for parents and their children? First, a quick definition of GMO: genetically modified organisms are foreign genes introduced into foods for the purpose of producing a crop that can tolerate pesticides and/or are resistant to certain diseases. In the case of milk, a growth hormone, recombinant bovine growth hormone, is injected into cows to increase milk production. Top GMO foods include corn, soy, canola, sugar beets, milk, and some squashes. Most of these products end up as the sweeteners of processed food that consumers buy (high fructose corn syrup or soy protein, for example) – roughly 75 percent of all processed foods. Are GMO foods safe or harmful? It depends who you ask. Top scientific bodies such as The U.S. Academy of Sciences reports that, “no adverse health effects attributed to genetic engineering have been documented in the human population.” Similar statements can be found by The American Association for the Advancement of Sciences and The American Medical Association. Yet not all scientists and physicians agree, and there is concern that the long-term impact of GMOs on humans, the environment, and on developing babies and children has yet to be determined. Whatever the scientific stance, many argue that at the very least, genetically modified foods should be labeled as such. Consumers agree. According to a recent New York Times poll, 93 percent of Americans want GMO food to be labeled. Mandatory labeling of GMO foods has not as yet been adopted in the United States. In fact, the U.S. and Canada are the only two industrialized countries that don’t label GMO foods. In lieu of federal labeling, many bills are being introduced at the state level. Currently five pieces of legislation related to GMO food labeling have been introduced in Massachusetts. While the debate over safety and labeling continues, some parents remain concerned about the potential long-term health ramifications to kids consuming GMOladen food. Health and wellness coach Cynthia Conigliaro of Southborough is frequently asked about GMOs by parents who are looking to feed healthy food to their children. She believes that GMOs are only one part of today’s complex nutrition puzzle, and that for many reasons, parents should incorporate healthier, less processed food into their children's diets as much as possible. 30 0 APRIL2014

“I encourage parents to feed their kids organic and unprocessed food whenever possible and to avoid prepackaged food that does not have the ‘Non-GMO Project Verified’ seal,” she said. Cynthia added that parents who model healthy eating have the biggest impact on their children, and even small changes in a family’s food choices can make a big difference. As a mom of two young children, Cynthia understands firsthand the challenges of getting kids to opt for healthy foods. “I can’t control everything my kids put into their mouths. That’s an unrealistic goal,” she said. “The last thing you want is a power struggle with your kids,” she continued. “Do the best you can and expose your child to different tastes. And as they get older, talk to your child and bring them into the decision-making process of how to eat healthy.” Julia Walderzak, owner of H2K (Happy Healthy Kids) Fitness Studio in Sudbury, agrees that kids who make their own choices are empowered. “I end every fitness class by asking each child to come up with a healthy goal pertaining to diet or exercise,” she said. While the debate rages on about the health implications of GMO foods, parents who are concerned – or simply want to improve the quality of the food their kids consume - can make the following five changes: 1. Cut down or eliminate processed foods. While this may seem close to impossible, it’s really a lifestyle change. Try to avoid pre-packaged products and buy foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. Look closely at labels to see how much added sugars are in the foods you buy. 2. Go organic. Currently, organic food can only be certified if it is guaranteed not to contain genetically engineered products. While organic food may be more expensive, you may decide the peace of mind is worth the extra cost. 3. Be wary of dairy. As much as 40 percent of dairy products contain recombinant bovine growth hormone, or rGBH. While you can look for milk that is labeled as rGBH-free, it’s not so straightforward with cheese and ice cream, for example. If you are concerned, cut down on cow’s milk and related products.

4. Help change your child’s thinking about food. If your child is old enough, help him understand why what he eats matters – and how food is energy to his body and brain. Empower him to make informed choices about the food he eats – one bite at a time. 5. Lobby to have GMO food labeled. If you want to add your voice, contact your state representatives and encourage them to support GMO food labeling. However you feel about genetically modified food, the debate over the labeling and long-term safety of GMO food will continue. The best thing parents can do is to stay on top of the research, laws, and debate surrounding GMOs. In the meantime, you can opt for the Original Cheerios over Honey Nut Cheerios – your toddler won’t mind.

“I encourage parents to feed their kids organic and unprocessed food whenever possible and to avoid prepackaged food that does not have the ‘Non-GMO Project Verified’ seal,’” she said.

Dishin’

hydrate foods with those providing fiber and protein. You want to add fiber into your children’s lunch bags with items like whole grains, fruit, vegetables and beans. For protein, you have lots to choose from such as milk, yogurt, cheese, nuts, nut butters, seeds, beans, chicken, fish and meat.

with the Dietician

I have three kids, ages 10 to 15, and they told me they were still hungry after eating lunch bought at school. So I started packing their lunches with peanut butter sandwiches, fruit, crackers, cookies and juice. But they say they are still hungry at lunch. What kinds of foods should I be putting in their lunches to fill those ravaged adolescent tummies long enough to get through the school day? — Laura D., Springfield

Feeding children can sometimes feel like a losing game of Hungry Hungry Hippos— am I right? A great guide for building children’s meals is the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) MyPlate initiative. The MyPlate icon is a helpful reminder of how to build meals and

How does this look? Let’s use your listing of foods as the example: • Sandwich: Tuna salad in a whole grain wrap with varying colored vegetables like carrot shreds, romaine lettuce and yellow pepper strips. snacks throughout the day. It emphasizes choosing meal ingredients that help us reach daily Food Group goals while focusing on balance and variety. The first nutrient that comes to mind when reading the foods you commonly pack is carbohydrates. The bread used for sandwiches, fruit, crackers, cookies and juice all provide carbohydrates. And the type of grains chosen for the bread, crackers and cookies will impact how quickly your children’s bodies break down and use up the energy provided by the carbohydrates they contain. Carbohydrates are essential for all of us, not only growing children. They provide our cells with energy in the form of sugar needed for us to function properly. In fact, our brain works best with sugar. This is why many of us begin craving sugary treats when our blood sugar drops (for example, midway through the afternoon or if we skip a meal). When our brain yells “FEED ME, NOW!” we reach for a quick source of sugar— often in the form of indulgent treats like pastries and candy. The goal for keeping your children full and fueled while preventing their brain from screaming out for sugar is balancing their carbo-

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• Fruit: Orange segments with Greek yogurt for dipping. • Crackers: Whole grain options paired with a small slice of cheddar cheese or mozzarella string cheese. • Cookies: Watch portion size and choose whole grain options like oatmeal raisin cookies. • Beverage: I recommend packing milk in lieu of juice since it provides essential nutrients children need like calcium, vitamin D and protein in addition to carbohydrates. Although it may be controversial, I am one of those dieticians that supports offering flavored milk to children that otherwise would miss daily Dairy Food Group goals. The reason is this: I was turned off by the taste of plain milk as a child and strawberry flavoring was the medium to my eventual enjoyment of plain, unsweetened milk.

Add Ons: • Side of vegetables such as carrot sticks with hummus, celery “ants on a log” or small side salad with vinaigrette dressing.

• Fruit such as an apple and handful of nuts or seeds like almonds or sunflower seeds for snacking on between the end of their day and when they arrive home (if this is an option). • A bottle for water. Since thirst can sometimes be mistaken as hunger, ensuring your children are well hydrated can help discern whether or not it’s truly their appetite or hydration status impacting hunger. A great tool to help not only build your children’s meals, but to also learn what each of their daily Food Group goals are, is the ChooseMyPlate.gov website. You can enter your children’s age, height, weight, gender and activity level to learn their specific daily goals on the Daily Food Plan page. Additionally, ChooseMyPlate.gov offers plenty of tips and pointers for building balanced and varied snacks and meals. Feeding children’s growing appetites can be challenging. With a little guidance from MyPlate while balancing carbohydrates with protein and fiber, you’re well on your way to addressing your children’s hunger and nutrition needs while ensuring they grow up to be healthy. Do you have food, nutrition, or diet questions to ask the dietician? We may feature your question in a future issue of baystateparent. Send to editor@baystateparent.com.

Carrie Taylor is the lead registered dietician nutritionist for the Living Well Eating Smart program at Big Y Foods. She can be reached at livingwell@bigy.com or write Living Well at 2145 Roosevelt Ave, PO Box 7840, Springﬁeld, MA 01102.

1 Providence St. Millbury, MA 01527 508-865-9577 gorettis.com

BAYSTATEPARENT 31

Bites VegFest Opens at the DCU Center

Q&A What is the best way to store fresh potatoes? According to mass.gov, unwashed potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark place with good air circulation. They are best stored up to two weeks at room temperature. It is not recommended to store potatoes in a refrigerator because the cold can cause starch in the potatoes to convert to sugar. The result is both a very sweet flavor and brown coloring, reports mass.gov.

The Worcester VegFest takes place at the DCU Center on Sunday, April 6. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors can sample food and meet over 100 exhibitors. Admission is free. VegWorcester is looking for volunteers to help set and staff tables, distribute free samples, and clean up. For more information, visit worcestervegfest.com.

Help the Hungry

Dads Serve Up Dinner Ideas Two Boston area dads have partnered together to create Just Add Cooking (JAC), a fresh meal kit delivery service for the greater Boston area. Customers go on the JAC website and pick out meals for the week. JAC then shops for the ingredients, packs up them and includes the recipes. On Sundays, the box of fresh ingredients and recipes is delivered. Each meal takes about 30 minutes to cook and costs an average of $7 a portion. The business idea developed when the two men, Jan Leife and Anders Lindell, arrived in the US from Sweden after their wives (who work for a large biotech company) were transferred here. Looking at meal options in the area, they quickly realized that the meal kit service popular in their home country was missing. With a commitment to locally-sourced ingredients, JAC was born. To learn more about the service, visit justaddcooking.com.

Cake and Ice Cream: A Family Favorite Add this to your April school vacation adventures: homemade ice cream! Pull out your ice cream maker, or borrow one from a friend. Red Velvet Ice Cream - Makes 1 generous quart (940ML) • 3 red velvet cupcakes, frosting removed • ½ cup (118ml) heavy cream • 12 oz (340g) cream cheese • ½ cup (118ml) buttermilk • 1 ½ cups (355ml) sour cream • ¼ tsp vanilla extract • 1 cup (200g) sugar • Pinch of salt Prepare your favorite red velvet cupcake recipe or buy your favorite prepared cupcakes. If you choose to bake cupcakes, allow the cupcakes to cool completely before adding to the ice cream. Cut the cream cheese into small pieces and place in a blender or food processor. Add the sour cream, sugar, cream, buttermilk, vanilla and salt and blend until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 2 hours. 32 APRIL2014

The Greater Boston Food Bank is among the largest food banks in New England. Last year, the food bank distributed enough food to provide healthy meals to over a half million people. For information on how you can donate or volunteer, visit gbfb.org. For a list of food pantries and food banks in Massachusetts, visit foodpantries.org.

Taste of the Nation Features Over 70 Eateries CruisePort Boston, 1 Black Falcon Ave., Boston, welcomes Taste of the Nation on April 29 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. The event features food and beverages from over 70 local restaurants and more than 30 wineries and breweries. Proceeds go to Share Our Strength, an anti-hunger and anti-poverty organization. Tickets are $95. For information, call 617-774-1321 or visit ce.strength.org.

Once chilled, pour the ice cream base into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Chop the cupcakes into 1/2-inch (1.3cm) cubes. When churning is complete, gently fold in the cupcake pieces. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and top with a few pieces of cupcake. Freeze until firm, at least 4 hours. Recipe with permission from Scoop Adventures: The Best Ice Cream of the 50 States, by Lindsay Clendaniel. Page Street Publishing, March 2014.

HOME&GARDEN

Childproof Your House Sale: 5 Ways to Make Your Move

4. Make home showings a game. Home showings are often tricky with children. The phone rings, a prospective buyer is on the way and you must leave your home. Laundry baskets can help. “When you get the call for the showing, you can very easily throw what’s lying around in the basket and bring it in the car so it’s off the counters,” suggested Wood. Laundry baskets can help with more than just toys, too. You can use them to quickly pack and move the day’s mail, dog dishes, laundry, and other clutter piles.

BY GARY L. KELLEY, LETA TSAI ILLUSTRATOR

Selling a house is stressful in the best of times. But when you have young children, it comes with a new level of stress: keeping sticky fingerprints off walls, picking up Legos, quickly removing dirty diapers, and planning showings around nap and feeding times. And, of course, answering their questions and calming their concerns. While there are no quick fixes for ending moving stress, there are some things you can do to ease it. How you engage with your kids is important, and there are five things parents can do to simplify the process. 1. Make your kids part of the plan. Parents need to let children know their world is going to change, too. While babies are along for the ride, children older than a toddler can understand they are about to move, and they need clarity on what the expectations are for the move and its preparation. The conversation needs to be supportive. Anticipate questions that your kids might have so you are prepared with answers. Remind your children while some things change, others will stay the same. Often what’s changing is the “house” the family lives in and not the furnishings in a room. So, a child’s “room” can follow the child to a new house. If the move is in town, the school may be the same. Use frank and supportive conversation. Remember, too, that you might be more stressed than your kids. Once, my family moved to Florida from

there while the house is on the market.” “Have a limited amount of toys available for play and keep other toys packed away that you can rotate in and out so the children won’t get bored with a their ‘toy inventory,’” said Marzo.

Massachusetts and circumstances required relocation back to Massachusetts. We thought our kids would struggle with back-to-back moves in a year, and carefully brought up the topic over dinner one night. To our surprise, they “high fived” at the dinner table, and we were off and running. 2. Think of your home as a product. Real estate agent and mother of three Mary Wood of Re/MAX Executive Realty in Hopkinton said parents should think of their home as a “product.” You want to appeal to the largest buyer pool, so you can sell your home for the most amount of money with as little inconvenience to you and (especially if you have kids) in the quickest amount of time. “Buyers need to ‘see’ themselves in your home,” said Wood. “If buyers are childless, having lots of toys around, etc. could be problematic and discourage buyers.” “Part of moving may require purging items from your house,” said realtor and mother of two Susan Marzo of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Worcester. “Use this opportunity to pack up or donate unused toys and reward your children with a treat or trip to a fun spot — not more toys. Pack up seasonal toys and remove them from the play area. The children won’t be using them, and you’ll get a jump on your packing. Also, reduce or remove toys with a lot of parts, such as Legos. These have a tendency to get all over the house and

sellers will appreciate a quick pickup when a showing is short notice.” 3. Get organized. Both realtors agree getting organized is an important task. Put away toys to maximize floor space. “Ideally it would be nice to have toys all neatly put away behind closets. If this is not possible use some nice, attractive cubicles or baskets,” said Wood. “Most of the big box stores carry great low-cost organizers. The big items — playhouses, play kitchens, and race tracks — should be put away. If a garage or basement is handy, then place them

5. Remove your kids on moving day. “On moving day keep the children away,” rhymed former mover and Franklin father of two John Bedarian. “You have professional movers or enthusiastic friends moving your possessions, including large, heavy and awkward pieces — couches, mattresses, and appliances. This is not an environment for children. They can get hurt if something falls on them. It’s best to have them stay at a friend’s or relative’s place.” When making a moving plan, it is important to think about how and when you will involve your children. Once you have a plan in place, your home will be ready for showings, your children will understand and even look forward to their move. And those laundry baskets? They come in handy on moving day, too. Use a few loaded with toys for your children on moving day so their time is occupied, and they will immediately have familiar toys with them in their new home.

Do you have an interesting, funny, or helpful story about selling or buying a home while parenting young children? Any tips to prepare kids for short-notice showings? Share your stories on baystateparent.com, Facebook and Twitter! BAYSTATEPARENT 33

HOME&GARDEN

A Gardener’s Invitation:

Come to Your Senses BY AMANDA ROBERGE

During my early years as a reporter, I once attended a lecture at an upscale garden club in Rhode Island. I was struck by the whimsy of the speaker’s theory on gardener personality types and I have carried it with me my entire life. His message was that in the world of gardening there are Alices and there are Poohs, and it’s okay to be who you are. He was referring, of course, to the Type A rigidity of Alice in Wonderland and the casual sloppiness of Winnie-the-Pooh. The lecture gave me permission to be the messy Pooh-type gardener I knew I was, who throws seeds into the air and giggles, while his Alice counterpart is known for making careful rows and using graph paper in February to meticulously plan her spring planting. Because of my Pooh tendencies, I have become a very creative if not lazy gardener, stealing every fun and low-maintenance idea I come across and resting on those laurels rather than developing a love of gardening that keeps me dirt-bound all spring and summer. When it comes to my gardens, I think of them like crock-pots: set it and forget it.

The Sensory Garden

One of my best ideas (which I stole from a playground near my sister’s house in the suburbs of Connecticut) is doable for both Alices and Poohs alike because the garden is only as sloppy or organized as you want it to be – suiting all kinds of gardeners and pleasing anyone who wanders by. My Sensory Garden, which takes up about 10 square feet of space and occupies two narrow strips of earth along a path, is the main attraction in my small city yard.

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The concept is simple: plant things that stimulate the senses. In my garden, for example, you can see beautiful flowers of different colors, touch the soft lamb’s ear, hear the friendly buzzing bees, taste the raspberries and sweet peas and smell the honeysuckle. But in the botanical world, there are endless options for plantings and they are there for your enjoyment — if you know how to be still and notice. Best of all, there are no rules for how to make your sensory garden brilliant. It is going to be an expression of your own inner gardener whether you research and plan for months like Alice or throw a bunch of stuff in the ground with a Pooh-esque chuckle. The end result is your own individual creation. Here are some of my tried and true suggestions for what to plant in your own Sensory Garden:

Feel

I have a soft spot for Lamb’s Ear – which, like it sounds, has leaves that are furry and soft and shaped like animal ears. They grow low to the ground and should be placed toward the front of your garden space so they are not blocked or overshadowed by taller plantings. A plant that grows taller and is cool not only to look at but also to carefully feel is thistle, which grows big spiky globes and later sprouts weird petals. A small sprinkler or punctured hose can add a bit of fun when you turn the water on during a heat wave, allowing the kids to feel the cool droplets of water on their skin and hair.

Hear

In order to get the full effect of the sensory garden, there has to be something audible going on. Since I am assuming that nobody wants to hear a snake slithering through the dirt, let’s focus on attracting big bumble bees – which are generally harmless. I happen to have a deep love for bees, which makes me unusual. But even if you are afraid of bees, it is probably a good thing to help your kids not to share your fear, and bumble bees are a nobrainer way to start along that path. Purple Coneflower, also known

as Echinacea, is a good plant for attracting noisy bumble bees. This bush grows rather large so place it in the back of your garden. A birdfeeder, birdbath or hummingbird feeder will also attract some happy flappy critters that may make splashing noises or pretty whistling sounds, and some landscaping grasses may provide a nice rustling sound when the wind blows.

Taste

I have two favorite plantings to satisfy the taste requirement for a sensory garden – raspberries and sweet peas. The danger with the raspberries is that they tend to become very intrusive over time. In my garden, the raspberries line one entire side of the path, with all of my other elements on the other side. I also have two different varieties so they produce berries almost all summer long, but the care and keeping of berries of any kind can take years of trial and error. If you don’t feel like getting involved with the drama of these thorny bushes, there are a few varieties of vegetables that are well worth sneaking into your garden. A clump or row of sweet peas allows kids to pick the pods and open them up to find the delicious little green globes inside. Another fun planting is green beans, which tend to lurk under leaves and therefore are fun to hunt. Chives are not only good to chew on but also produce pretty purple flowers, and they are always nice to have on hand if you like baked potatoes or soups. They can be dried at the end of the season and chopped up and stored in jars. Likewise, herbs like basil and cilantro are a nice and practical addition to any garden. A cherry tomato plant requires little care and offers up continual baby tomatoes, which kids can watch ripen and learn to wait for just the right shade of red before plucking and eating.

Smell

I find that herbs are best for offering kids an olfactory opportunity – sage, lavender, and lemon balm are my favorites. Kids can pull a leaf off the

plant, rub it between their fingers and then experience a burst of aroma that will knock their socks off. And while we always think of stopping to smell the roses, there are plenty of other flowers that are pleasing to the nose without being difficult to grow (roses are notoriously suited to the Green of Thumb). Honeysuckle, lily-ofthe-valley, freesia and jasmine are flowers that grow well in our state’s climate and offer some divine scents. I have one friend who uses cocoa bean shells distributed around the base of her plants to add the smell of chocolate. I haven’t gone this far because I am afraid I will eat my garden, but it’s worth a try for people with some semblance of selfcontrol.

design. In this regard, you can’t go wrong. But to take this notion one step further, why not add a small garden gnome or statue that kids have to search for? In my garden I have a small marble frog that I am constantly moving around, “Where’s Waldo” style. It’s just another fun element that brings some visual interest. Milkweed and butterfly bushes will attract a variety of beautiful butterflies, and the former will help to sustain a population of monarch butterflies during its migration. Ideas for fun-to-look-at garden elements are endless – pretty stones, sea glass, statues, shells and glass globes – the only limit is your budget and your imagination.

What’s not to look at in a garden? Flowers come in all shapes sizes and colors and they are gorgeous by

As a lifelong Pooh, I urge you to follow your own heart and not limit yourself to what is sold on the shelves at the garden store. Make your garden an expression of who you are.

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HOME&GARDEN

TRASH

TALK

FOR EARTH

throwing something out. Involve your children in a yard sale, and set an example about the importance and reward of reusing items. Young children can help by sorting items. Older children can make and post fliers.

DAY

BY COLLEEN WRIGHT

ot to talk trash about a classic Muppet song, but it is easy being green, Kermit. Very easy. And it starts with talkin’ trash about Earth Day — rubbish, that is. Every family has trash, and that heap of waste holds some valuable environmental lessons for kids. So go ahead and talk trash with your kids. It will help them to see how easy it is to be green. Here are just a few ways to get started.

Grow a Garbage Garden Think about the seeds that you throw away. With a little TLC, the citrus fruit seeds your family usually tosses into the trash can be nurtured into new trees. The next time your children eat oranges, ask them not to throw out the seeds. Instead, collect them and plant several in a four-inch pot that’s been filled with moist potting soil. The seeds should be planted about one inch deep and watered well. Peek at the pot each day with your kids and note when the sprouts appear, which should happen within a month of planting. After an additional two weeks, the plants can be transplanted into individual pots, where they will continue to grow. This process of turning a piece of garbage into a living, growing plant is sure to challenge your children’s view of “trash” — and may even inspire them to find additional ways to reuse discarded items. 36 APRIL2014

Set Up a Recycling Station Use separate bins for each recyclable material. By asking your children to help sort items like newspapers, empty milk jugs and food cans into the different containers, you teach them how to separate their trash and get them involved in the process. Children may know where to find the small recycle logo on plastic containers, but they may not know what the small numbers 1 through 7 mean. Discussing the relationship between these numbers and the plastic’s ability to be recycled will help your kids to figure out which items can go into the recycle bins and why. Plastics numbered 1 and 2 are typically recycled through curbside programs, while the higher numbers are not. Your local recycling agency should have this information available along with guidelines indicating what can or cannot be recycled within your region.

Turn Trash to Cash Your children will quickly learn that it pays to invest time and hard work in a garage sale or can collection. Start by collecting cans at home. Take a trip to the local grocery store or recycling center together to turn in the containers. The small cash reward will be an added bonus. Selling used items from home is another reminder to think twice before

Create a Compost Bin

Turn food scraps into nutrient-rich fertilizer with the help of a small compost crock that can be kept indoors. Although some foods such as meat and bones cannot be placed in the crock, many can. Compostable items include fruit and vegetable peels, eggshells, used tea bags and coffee grounds. To encourage the

decomposition process that produces compost, alternate these nitrogen-filled foods with layers of carbon-rich items such as wood chips, dried leaves, and shredded newspaper that is colorless and gloss-free. Get your children involved by putting them in charge of placing scraps into the crock. Before long, they will know what items have value and are biodegradable and which are truly trash. When it comes time to spread the compost over the annual garden or flowerbed, you may find that their interest and knowledge have expanded beyond the compost heap, the growing orange tree and the can collection. Perhaps they will even recycle the words to that famed Kermit the Frog song — because, after all, it is easy being green.

Green Reading for Kids Compost Stew, by Mary McKenna Siddals. This book gives “environmental chefs” an A-to-Z guide to making a compost pile. The lighthearted rhyming verses make this a bedtime favorite. Michael Recycle, by Ellie Bethel. Fun, rhyming verses and bright illustrations tell the story of how superhero Michael Recycle teaches a town about recycling and helps them clean up. Easy to Be Green: Simple Activities You Can Do to Save the Earth, by Ellie O’Ryan. Along with discussing hazards such as carbon footprints and landfills, this book suggests ways to make a difference, such as writing to politicians. Coloring pages and puzzles make for a good balance of information and fun.

Area Earth Day

Activities for Families The 6th Annual Race Against Extinction Earth Day 5K Run/Walk. Saturday, April 19. The race begins at 11 a.m. in scenic Artesani Park just off the Charles River in the Boston/Brighton/Cambridge area. The entry fee is $25.00 and proceeds will be donated to the World Wildlife Fund. For more information, visit theraceagainstextinction.org. Earth Day Celebration. Friday, April 25. The EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way in Worcester, hosts a variety of indoor and outdoor family-friendly activities. Admission to the museum is half-price: adults $7, children 2 to 18, $4. For more information, call 508-929-2700 or visit ecotarium.org. 15th Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup. Saturday, April 26. From 9 a.m. to noon, volunteers will gather at sites along the Charles River to remove litter and debris. In a collaboration led by Charles River Watershed Association, volunteers from over 20 towns will work together in one of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest one-day river cleanup events. Volunteers will remove trash from sites throughout the Charles River watershed from Milford to Boston. To learn more, visit www.crwa.org/ cleanup.html. Earth Day/Arbor Day Celebration. Saturday, April 26. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary presents demonstrations, crafts and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nature games. The event is free and appropriate for all ages. The sanctuary is located at 108 North Street in Norfolk. For

more information, visit massaudubon.org.

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Framingham Earth Day Festival. Saturday, April 26. Learn about ways to conserve energy, make sustainable choices, preserve natural habitats, and recycling. Live music, kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; activities, food, workshops and educational events take place on the Framingham Center Common from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit framinghamearthday.org. Town of Charlton Earth Day Festival. Saturday, April 26. The annual town-wide cleanup will take place between 8 a.m. and noon. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., an Earth Fest will be held on the town common. The event includes educational displays, a pet show, live music and family activities. For more information, visit townofcharlton.net/ earthdaycom.htm.

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Party for the Planet: Earth Day 2014. Sunday, April 27. The Franklin Park Zoo in Dorchester is hosting a variety of Earth Day events from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., including animal enrichment activities, scavenger hunts, entertainment, eco-friendly exhibitors, and a chance to meet the zookeeper. Admission tickets are $17.95; children 2 to 12, $11.95; children under 2, free. For more information, visit zoonewengland.org. For more Earth Day events, visit baystateparent.com. Use our interactive events calendar to post your Earth Day activity.

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WOMENSHEALTH

The Mammogram Debate BY AMANDA ROBERGE

hrewsbury’s Melody Davis was a self-described “habitual offender” when it came to scheduling her annual mammograms – continually rescheduling appointments, forgetting appointments, or neglecting to make the appointment in the first place. She was six months late in scheduling the one mammogram that would shake her to the core, and she now considers herself one of the lucky ones whose life was spared by the early detection of a fast-growing and aggressive breast cancer. “Once you’ve been through the experience of having breast cancer, everything changes,” she said, working tirelessly now to encourage – or browbeat, you might say – the women in her life to stay on top of their annual mammograms and self-exams. What hasn’t helped, she said, are studies that dismiss mammograms as ineffective. These studies do quite a bit of harm, she said – giving women like her former self (the rescheduling, forgetting, neglecting self) another excuse to put off their annual screening. When a recently-released Canadian study concluded that “annual screening in women aged 40-59 does not reduce mortality from breast cancer,” another layer of confusion was added onto the already contradictory information the public receives about mammograms. All of this has left women in their 40s and 50s wondering, “When exactly am I supposed to get mammograms and how often?” With breast cancer responsible for approximately 40,000 deaths annually in the United States alone, many women have relied on their annual mammograms to alert them of any problems before they progress past the point of treatment.

40 APRIL2014

The American Cancer Society recommends that women begin the annual screening procedure at age 40, while the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force mammogram guidelines recommend women begin screening at age 50 and repeat the test every two years. Studies aside, even the medical community is at odds, with different arms having differing opinions on when mammograms are necessary. The discrepancy is attached to many factors – including breast density, which decreases with age and makes mammography accurate, and the cost effectiveness for insurance companies, said Dr. Carolynn Debenedectis, Assistant Professor of Radiology at UMass Medical School, who also practices as a radiologist at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. The Canadian study, she added, is confusing to women. “They are not saying [mammograms] aren’t helping people. They are saying they aren’t helping enough people to make it cost effective.” From the perspective of the radiology community, the risks associated with radiology – particularly with the tomosynthesis methods used at UMass – are so small and the treatment options so great when breast cancer is caught early, it’s a no brainer for women to have the annual mammogram and breast exam starting at age 40. From Davis’s perspective, even if one life per million is saved by mammography, “that is enough to make it worth it.” A mammogram, which is basically an x-ray of the breast, can be used as a screening or diagnostic tool, and carries with it an “extremely low risk” of radiation in exchange for its potentially lifesaving capabilities. The bottom line, added Debenedectis, is that early detection of breast cancer is always better than late detection – making the cancer more treatable and making survival more likely. The radiology community as a whole, she argued, urges women to stick with the American Cancer Society’s recommendation. “For what it’s worth, radiologists get yearly mammograms starting at age 40, and it’s what we recommend to the women in our lives that we love,” she said. “It’s worth any extra cost to us because we know what we see in our office – which is that we catch cancer, and we catch it early.” Dr. Robert Quinlan, Director of the Comprehensive Breast Center at UMass Memorial Medical Center, has an opinion or two of his own, and they are based in his longstanding commitment to a model of care that no longer exists – except, perhaps, in his office. Doctors who have high demands

on their time and are underneath stacks of paperwork, he added, don’t always have the extra time to spend with their patients getting to know them as individuals. “When you are running that fast, you don’t always have time to answer all of your patients’ questions,” he said. “It doesn’t happen in this office. I won’t let it.” The challenge, he said, is to take each woman’s individual situation, lifestyle, habits and risk factors and make a recommendation based on those personal elements of her life.

General recommendations to entire populations make such a personal touch impossible – something he strives each day to change. He urges women to take a quick online screening test known as the GAIL model Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool – which is a simple questionnaire that can be found online and helps a woman to determine if she is more or less at risk than the average woman of her demographic. He finds that looking at a patient’s individual risk factors and family

history helps him to determine what the best course of action is for her with regard to screening. “It comes down to a judgment call,” he said. “What doctors should be more aware of is how to counsel their female patients in their 40s and 50s.” The Gail Model assessment, also known as BCRAT (Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool), can be found at www.cancer.gov.

Support For Women Mammogram Scheduling Tip The American Cancer Society recommends that you schedule your mammogram when your breasts are not tender or swollen, avoiding the week just before your period. This will not only reduce any discomfort, but it will also ensure a good picture.

Free Breast and Cervical Screenings Free breast and cervical cancer screening is available for eligible, uninsured Massachusetts residents through the Department of Public Health Care Coordination Program. To get more information or to be connected to a Care Coordination Program clinical site near you, call 1-877-414-4447.

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer takes place in Boston on May 17 and 18. The walk winds through Boston’s harbor and neighborhoods, including Back Bay and Beacon Hill. For more information, visit avonwalk.org.

Against the Tide Fundraiser Against the Tide takes place on June 21, 2014 at Hopkinton State Park. This is a familyfriendly fundraiser to benefit the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC). The MBCC was founded in 1991 by women concerned with the lack of attention to breast cancer. The response was so successful that the group founded Silent Spring Institute to investigate the link between breast cancer and the environment. Against the Tide is held rain or shine and includes a number of different activities, including: • Competitive 1 mile swim • Competitive 5K run • Competitive 10K run • Recreational 5K run • Recreational 10K run • Recreational 1 mile swim • Recreational 3 mile walk • Recreational 2 mile kayak Participants can register for up to four of the events. Every dollar raised goes to the MBCC’s work for breast cancer prevention. For more information, visit mbcc. org/swim or call 800-649-MBCC.

BAYSTATEPARENT 41

The Push for

Free Full-Day Kindergarten BY ERICA BROWN

School districts throughout Massachusetts are implementing the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), a set of guidelines for what every student should be able to do in math and English language arts from kindergarten through grade 12. With the newly adopted markers, communities and school administrators are looking to improve and expand kindergarten curriculum to meet expectations — and many feel that tuition free full-day instruction is a critical step. To understand the challenge of implementing this, baystateparent visited three school districts — Holliston, Hopkinton, and Wellesley — each proposing the idea to voters. Kindergarten is not mandatory in Massachusetts. Only 11 states and the District of Columbia impose attendance. However, school districts in Massachusetts are required to offer a free kindergarten program to all residents that includes 425 hours of learning time, which comes out to about 2.5 hours a day. While Bay State children don’t have to attend kindergarten, nearly all do. “Actually, 87% of Massachusetts kindergarteners are enrolled in a full-day program, up from 29% in 2000,” said Amy O’Leary, director for the Early Education for All (EEA) Campaign at Strategies for Children in Boston. A full-day program is defined in the state as a minimum of 850 hours of structured learning time per school year. “Of the 310 districts that offer kindergarten, 216 have implemented district-wide full-day kindergarten and 74 have a mixture of full- and part-day kindergarten programs,” said O’Leary. She said the two biggest issues inhibiting districts from implementing full day kindergarten are often funding and 42 APRIL2014

space limitations. Holliston, Hopkinton, and Wellesley are part of a growing group of districts currently trying to transition to tuition free, full-day kindergarten programs. Billerica, Chelmsford, Mansfield, North Andover, Scituate and Stoneham are also attempting the transition. Districts can charge tuition for full-day kindergarten and many of the 74 partial fullday districts have tuition ranging from $995 to $4,872. But if a district charges for tuition, it must provide a free half-day option. So, what is driving the continued push in school districts for tuition free, full-day kindergarten?

Holliston “The Common Core,” said Brad Jackson, Superintendent of Schools in Holliston. “What the state and federal governments are expecting in terms of curriculum tody cannot fit into a half day.” Holliston last explored moving to a full-day kindergarten program twelve years ago. The state of Massachusetts leaves all decision making to the districts regarding curriculum and — like most districts — Holliston’s curriculum is unique. Holliston offers French immersion to students, including those currently enrolled in the tuition free, half-day kindergarten option. It also offers a non-French immersion, full-day kindergarten at a tuition rate of $3,475. This year, 180 Holliston kindergarteners are enrolled in the full-day program, and 80 are enrolled in the half-day. Jackson considers the absence of tuition and French immersion to be the only draws for the half-day program. “The current kindergarten curriculum is impossible to teach in

a half-day in English, and even more impossible in a foreign language,” said Jackson of the popular French program. In his proposed FY15 budget, the district will drop tuition for full-day kindergarten, convert the French immersion program to full-day, and discontinue the half-day kindergarten option. “We are creating our own achievement gap by making full-day kindergarten available to only those who can afford it,” said Jackson. Based on the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for English Language and Literacy, the superintendent presented to residents how kindergarten standards have changed since 2001. Over a decade ago, he noted, kindergarteners were expected to be able to print upper and lowercase letters of the alphabet. Today, kindergarteners are expected to demonstrate a command of the conventions of Standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking by:

• Using the most frequently occurring prepositions • Producing and expanding complete sentences in shared language activities

• Using frequently occurring nouns and verbs

“All of the test results we are looking at are based on the old curriculum,” he said, referencing the current standardized proficiency ratings of schools. Parents of elementary students in Holliston support their superintendent’s initiative. “Older residents are receptive to the idea that we need to address the CCSS, but they are nervous about funding,” said Jackson. The cost of the Holliston full-day kindergarten initiative is $466,689. Holliston’s budget will be voted on at its Annual Town Meeting on May 5. Jackson said the district does not have space constraints for the program and state funding will cover all but approximately $20,000-$30,000 of the full-day program after its transition is complete in two years, assuming state funding does not change. “If our budget doesn’t pass, we will continue with our half-day program and do our best to address student needs,” said Jackson.

• Forming regular plural nouns orally by adding /s/ or /es/

Hopkinton

• Understanding and using question words

“We can’t wait another 180 children,” said Dr. Cathy MacLeod,

• Printing many upper and lowercase letters

â&#x20AC;˘ Provides an unhurried environment â&#x20AC;˘ Provides children an increased opportunity to apply skills â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Â academic as well as socialemotional â&#x20AC;˘ Provides more time for individualized interventions based on learning profiles â&#x20AC;˘ Increases opportunities for related arts

Superintendent of Schools in Hopkinton. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be about convenience or space. This needs to be about instruction perfectly matched for our students.â&#x20AC;? Hopkinton administrators have been striving for full-day kindergarten for years, but space and funding have always been an issue. All Hopkinton kindergarteners and first graders attend Historic Center School which was built in 1890 and is no longer a viable building for learners. After much consideration, the town hopes to one day build a new elementary school for its youngest learners, but MacLeod said tuition free full-day kindergarten cannot wait for the building. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The bar is rising,â&#x20AC;? she said. Hopkintonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2013 MCAS scores in grade three for reading were 83%. The state average is 57%. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are doing great,â&#x20AC;? said MacLeod, but she noted that kindergarteners today will be held to a higher standard when they enter the third grade because of CCSS. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait until grade three to address reading needs.â&#x20AC;? MacLeod argued that offering a full-day curriculum to all students would eliminate the need for special education services for some students because of the extra attention and time students would receive. An early education specialist, MacLeod presented to the Hopkinton community that fullday kindergarten:

Hopkinton has provided a partial full-day kindergarten for three years. Parents interested in the full-day option enter students in a lottery, and those selected pay a $4,000 tuition. There are 104 students enrolled in the 2013-2014 full-day program, and 88 are in the free half-day program. Forty-two families were turned away from full-day kindergarten due to space constraints. The district plans to discontinue the lottery and its half-day curriculum, and offer an enriched full-day kindergarten tuition free. The initiative will cost the district $416,000 for the 20142015 school year. After much consideration about where the additional full-day kindergarten classroom will be housed, Center School Principal Lauren Debeau plans to get creative within the dated Center School. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lauren will be working with her faculty to make decisions around use of space and creative ways to find space,â&#x20AC;? said MacLeod. This will eliminate the need for modular classrooms. If the program is implemented in Hopkinton, state funding will not cover the entire cost of the full-day program because it does not qualify under the formula used for funding grants. Hopkinton will vote on the school budget at its Town Meeting on May 5. The proposed 4.91% increase will not force the town to an over-ride, but community members are rallying to advocate MacLeodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s initiative. Amy Cafazzo, a Hopkinton resident with twins entering kindergarten next year, organized a group of parents promoting full-day kindergarten. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hopkinton is a town that prides itself on education, and it just seems wrong that we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have full-day kindergarten for all,â&#x20AC;? said Cafazzo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As for Town Meeting, we will work with the School Committee and the administrative team to make decisions regarding priorities should the budget not pass,â&#x20AC;? said MacLeod.

Wellesley â&#x20AC;&#x153;The world is not standing still around us. Expectations are accelerating and we need to calibrate our system,â&#x20AC;? said Dr. David Lussier, Superintendent of Schools in

Wellesley. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Students need more time with our great teachers. Our literacy and numerology levels for incoming first graders are not acceptable.â&#x20AC;? Lussier said the achievement gap he sees is because of access. Wellesley administrators have advocated full-day kindergarten for several years. The town currently has a unique hybrid model that provides enough hours for students to technically classify the district as a full-day program provider. In 20132014, kindergarten students started school in half-day kindergarten. On the third Monday in September, they shifted to two full-days with the remaining three days remaing as halfdays. After April school vacation, the schedule shifts to four full-days and one half-day for a total of 886 hours of instruction. It is a complicated system. Jackson presented to the Wellesley community that a full-day kindergarten program would provide 1049 hours of instruction which: â&#x20AC;˘ Allows for longer blocks of uninterrupted instructional time in order to meet the academic needs of individual learners in the classroom â&#x20AC;˘ Enhances opportunity to balance different modalities to support a developmentally appropriate environment for early childhood learning

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â&#x20AC;˘ Enhances opportunities to present a variety of instructional strategies that foster student engagement and learning â&#x20AC;˘ Provides opportunities to extend learning in an area for which a particular group shows interest â&#x20AC;˘ Provides opportunities for students to independently practice and extend concepts that empower them to take ownership of their own learning The district does not have space constraints, but funding is an issue. Lussier proposes to place a teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assistant in each of the 18 full-day kindergarten classes to maintain the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preferred student/teacher ratio. Because the town already qualifies for state funding with its hybrid model, the initiative will cost an additional $402,240, contributing to a 7% budget increase. Any budget increase of 1.75 percent or higher requires an override of Proposition 2 1/2 to raise taxes, and Wellesley residents will vote on the matter in May. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We can only do this if we do it well, and we can only do it well with proper funding,â&#x20AC;? said Lussier. He feels the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s response to the initiative is â&#x20AC;&#x153;largely positive.â&#x20AC;?

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The Fantastic Umbrella Factory Shops, pets, gardens and not an umbrella in sight. BY AMANDA ROBERGE

is not a factory, and there isn’t an umbrella in sight, but for 40-plus years and counting, The Fantastic Umbrella Factory in Charlestown, RI has been exactly that. Fantastic. A 90-minute drive from Worcester and worth every crumb you will unearth from beneath your kid’s car seat, this magical plot of property is like no other place on the planet. It is a place to relax, to connect

and seek community or solitude – anything goes at this place, where the hippie vibe and communal greeting will instantly lower your blood pressure. Part petting zoo, part public garden and part retail shopping spot, it is something of a Mecca from bygone days. Hand-painted signs line the picturesque garden trails – pointing the way to various points on interest. When I was just a 20-year old

nanny living in Rhode Island, The Umbrella Factory was a frequent stop for me. Just a short drive south from Narragansett, it was a good place to drop in to kill a little time with two very curious little boys. As time went on and I started my own family, I often took my babies and toddlers there to meet up with a friend and lounge on the many garden benches to nurse and have a cup of coffee from the café. And now, living in Massachusetts

and in no way able to just drop in, I continue to go back every couple of years because though I have traveled from one end of the Bay State to the other, I have never found another place quite as fantastic. Those who own the various shops at The Umbrella Factory will tell you that while they are always excited to be “discovered” by new faces, they also tend to see the same people over the years. Those, like

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me, who drop by every few years, have long carried a torch for such a mystical place and need to rekindle that flame from time to time. The Fantastic Umbrella Factory was established in 1968 by Robert Bankel on an old farm homestead, starting in one small building, built in the early 1800s as a Temperance Hall, selling penny candy and unusual gifts. He soon expanded his operation into the old barn, increasing his volume and adding a café in the rear and brought in local craftsman to work and sell the wares on site. All the while, he was beautifying the landscape of the complex. Having switched hands over the decades, it is currently owned by Dave Turano and his wife, Linda, who have long run Small Axe Productions — a shop selling all manner of incense, candles, clothing and jewelry. They also run the adjoining café, which offers healthy fare at reasonable prices in a casual and kind environment. Another building on the property houses the South County Artisans, offering affordable art made with nature and eco-friendly ideals in mind. Many of their wares are heavy on the notion of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – and many are simply beautiful in ways that have nothing to do with the Earth but everything to do with the soul. Penny candy is always a huge draw for my brood, as are the kitschy and cool gifts that I often pick up for stocking stuffers or quick grabbag type birthday presents. And though The Umbrella Factory is always evolving in terms of how they utilize the buildings and what shops are up and running each season, certain things can be counted on. Emus, goats, chickens and pea hens are corralled out back and kids can buy a little cone of animal food (on their honor – a huge thrill for my kids!) and go hang out with the animals. But unlike some of the mega-zoos and adventure attractions in my area, being with the animals at The Umbrella Factory has a different vibe. It’s kind of like hanging out at a really, really cool friend’s house while they are at work. For those interested in horticulture, The Umbrella Factory is a marvel – with gorgeous local plantings and also an unusual forest of trees including an umbrella Pine, a handsome Dawn Redwood, and many other interesting species. My kids were especially tickled by a trail that has been cut through a large patch of bamboo, adding to the mystique and wonder of the experience. The best part about making the trip from Central Mass down to

South County, Rhode Island is that there are a million little places to stop on the way home. And you don’t have to look very far -- both Ninigret Park and Burlingame Management Reservation are less than a mile away and are both wonderful places to play and explore the outdoors. But if you head back up scenic Route 1A or even speed along Route 1, you will find plenty of pit stops for everyone to enjoy. Just 20 minutes north of Charlestown is an unbearably charming seaside village called Wickford, where you can stroll and

shop and look at the boats – with a great playground just minutes away by foot. The Roger Williams Park Zoo is located just off Route 95 on the way home, and it’s an affordable and manageable zoo that could easily be traversed in an hour or two. On a beautiful day, you could enjoy Goddard Park in East Greenwich, which is home to a public beach, several ball fields and C&L Stables, a stable through which one can hire a guide and horse for public trail rides. Other features one may enjoy while visiting Goddard Park are a nine-hole golf course and a beach

with bath houses – not to mention a historic carousel overlooking the ocean. And if shopping is your thing, you would be remiss not to swing into the Providence Place Mall and enjoy three floors of shopping and dozens of amazing eateries, including a top-notch food court. The malls also boasts and IMAX Theatre and a Dave & Busters.

For Your GPS: The Fantastic Umbrella Factory, 4820 Old Post Rd. Charlestown, RI

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Ages 4-12 56 Capen Road, Charlton, MA

worcester bravehearts

baseball camps! Learn from Bravehearts players and coaches! hanover insurance park at fitton field Hitting, Fielding, Pitching, and Baserunning sessions each day! Lunch included each day! Free tickets to a Bravehearts game for all campers! Open to boys and girls ages 6-14